It
is significant to note that the Government of India is spending about 160
million US dollars every year for import of crude oil and that comes to about fifty
per cent of the total revenue collected from the public, subject to correction.
This is an alarming situation and a major reason for the devaluation of the Indian
rupee against the US dollar. Is the Planning Commission or the Parliament of
India really concerned about it? We should try to explore for further oil resources
at Mumbai, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chennai, Cochin and other places, if
any, to achieve our annual requirement of the traditional petroleum products or
oil. Or else we should go forward for an
innovation in our technology; like trying to substitute our varied engines with
other fuel such as LPG or CNG. I am confident
that our scientists, engineers and technologists are capable of inventing a
better and economic transport system.
Is
there any stumbling block for fuel change? Let the people of India know who are
all the MPs and other politicians lobbying for vehicle manufacturers, and against
the change of fuel and modernization of technology. I am aware that the Indian
scientists have already invented a less expensive and economic mode of
manufacturing Heavy Water formally called Deuterium oxide or
H2O or D2O, successfully from sea water, which is available
in plenty. We are exporting it to Korea and U.S.A. Tritium oxide (Tao2,) is another effective and efficient alternative fuel to moderate
neutron fission in atomic thermal reactors. It is high time that we changed the
fuel for our transport vehicles. It is significant to note that those who lobby
against change of fuel are working against our national interest.
It
is significant to note that an enterprising Malayali
Engineer, M.D. Jose, the managing director of Eddy Automobiles (India)
Limited at Chalakudy in Kerala, invested huge sum of money for research and
development of various vehicles including a car with solar panels, the cost of
which was worked at Rupees 35,000/- in 1990s; he applied for license to
manufacture the car but in vain. The political bosses wanted a major share in
the profits, and the callous indifference on the part of the government
jeopardized his endeavour and he slumped into financial difficulties. Such apathy
and corruption should change for the better.
Simultaneously
we should find alternative modes of transport. I would suggest that in states like
Kerala where there are fourty four rivers and large and deep lakes inland water
transport may be given more importance. The greater expense involved in the
building and up keep of highways could be avoided. The inland-water-ways, no
doubt, is an inexpensive and economic mode of transport. Great quantities of
bulky freight like Sulphur, Coal, petro;eum products and other cargoes could be
moved at great saving of time and expense. Ocean ferries by ships also could be
introduced for long travels especially from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod and
further North, and also on the eastern coast. Moreover the air tariffs may be
reduced to the minimum possible so that commoners too could afford to travel by
air. I appreciate the endeavour of the government of Kerala to commence low
cost sea plane services in Kerala.
The
invention of wheel was an epoch making event which helped in the progress of
transport and civilization. Now the scientists are obsessed with the wheels and
they can’t think of a vehicle without wheels and without roads or rails or
sprawling airports. I would suggest that young scientists around the world
should put their heads together to explore and to discover an innovative,
economic transport vehicle totally devoid of wheels and a better mode of Public
Transport System as swift as thought that would destroy natural frontiers. They
should be encouraged by United Nations and the member Nations and sanction
funds liberally for that cause and recognize their efforts. This would
safeguard our environment from further pollution and damage. Imagination is the
key to development and progress. I always wonder, whether Solar energy like light,
electric powered–batteries, magnetic power, wind energy, Hydrogen, Alcohol like
Methanol, Ethanol, and Vegetable oil, Deuterium oxide, Tritium oxide, low-lying
clouds or such other small things could be used for such transport?
Excerpts from
MEMOIRS
An autobiography
by
Joseph J. Thayamkeril
Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com
josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com
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