The recent blueprint laid out by NITI Aayog to fast-track Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in India is a momentous step towards our nation's sustainable future. It’s a vision I welcome wholeheartedly, reflecting a much-needed push for clean mobility and energy independence. Yet, as I delve into the nuances of such an ambitious plan, I find myself reflecting on conversations I initiated years ago, which now seem more pertinent than ever.
One of the most critical components in this journey, as highlighted by a report from Primus Partners, is the indispensable role of rare earth permanent magnets in EV motors ["FROM EXTRACTION TO INNOVATION: A Blueprint for Enhancing Rare Earth Magnet Ecosystem in India’s EV Roadmap")(https://primuspartners.in/docs/documents/Final%2020%20Aug_Rare%20Earth%20Magnets%20TL%20v3.pdf)]. India currently relies heavily on imports, primarily from China, for these crucial materials. This dependency creates a strategic vulnerability, not just for our EV sector, but for a host of advanced technologies spanning defence and renewable energy. The report details strategies to build an indigenous rare earth magnet ecosystem, emphasizing domestic exploration, R&D, and manufacturing.
It’s striking to see how the conversation has evolved, confirming insights I put forth years ago. Back in 2019, I explicitly suggested incentivizing new constructions that incorporate sustainable features, stating: "We should 'incentivize' new home constructions by offering rebates on Property Taxes, for those buildings which commit to incorporate following features (as per NORMS prescribed): # Solar Panels for EV battery charging". This was not merely a passing thought but a foundational suggestion for integrating green infrastructure into our urban fabric, directly envisioning the need for EV charging capabilities at the very source of urban dwelling "Nothing motivates like 'Greed' ". Today, seeing the CREDAI's "Viksit Bharat 2047" report discuss linking property tax to sustainability performance (Pillar 6, Section 6.5) and launching pilot Net-Zero Townships (Section 6.6), I feel a sense of validation. My earlier idea wasn't just a prediction; it was a proposed solution to a burgeoning challenge.
Beyond sustainability, the NITI Aayog's blueprint and the Primus Partners report underscore the immense need for streamlining industrial processes and fostering domestic manufacturing. This resonates deeply with my long-standing advocacy for an "Ease of Doing Business" environment. I've consistently argued for the complete digitization and simplification of approval processes, suggesting a self-certification model for builders to drastically cut down bureaucratic delays "SELF CERTIFICATION FOR BUILDERS?". Imagine applying such a streamlined, transparent, and digital approach to establishing new manufacturing units for rare earth magnets or EV components. It would undoubtedly accelerate our journey towards self-reliance, much like how digitizing land records with unique IDs was always a crucial step for transparency and efficiency "140 Million Bhu-Aadhaar Numbers".
The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. India's EV future isn't just about the vehicles; it's about the entire ecosystem – from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to charging infrastructure and urban planning. The blueprint is a start, but the real transformation lies in how swiftly and intelligently we integrate these interconnected elements, leveraging foresight and efficient implementation.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
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