Green vehicles mooted for Parliament complex

Battery-operated vehicles and solar lighting are being considered by a joint panel of members of Parliament for Parliament House to protect the grand symbol of India's democracy from pollution.

At a recent meeting of Parliamentary forum on Global Warming and Climate Change under the chairmanship of Speaker Meira Kumar, the idea of battery-operated vehicles was mooted with the aim of curbing vehicular emissions within the premises of Parliament, Lok Sabha sources said.

Environment minister Jairam Ramesh and senior members of both Houses, who attended the meeting, welcomed and appreciated the idea.

In another move aimed at saving energy, the possibility of lighting up Parliament using solar power is being looked into.

Minister for new and renewable energy Farooq Abdullah has already given his ministry's presentation to the Speaker in this regard.

The matter is now being examined by the technical committee which advises the high-level committee headed by the Speaker to maintain the heritage status of Parliament House complex.

One of the MPs of the Upper House has also suggested that the dependency on air conditioners be reduced.

To make the complex green, more emphasis is being laid on increasing the tree cover, taking special care of the old trees and keeping ponds and water bodies full.

Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha K Rahman Khan is the vice president of the forum, which comprises 32 members, including Ramesh.