Delhi govt may grow biofuel crops on forest land: Sheila Dikshit

Citing the limited availability of fossil fuels, the Delhi government today said it might look into using its forest land for growing biofuel crops, seen as a source of clean energy.

Forest land in the state could be used for plantation of biofuel crops like Jatropha, chief minister Sheila Dikshit said.

She, however, cautioned against large-scale use of agricultural land for planting biofuel crops, and asked for a balance.

Citing adverse effects of climate change and limited availability of fossil fuel, she recommended more and more use of solar energy and biofuels.

"We should be using a lot of solar energy.... As people are a little skeptical about the use of solar energy, we should try to popularise it among the masses," Dikshit told an international conference on biofuel organised by Delhi Technological University here.

The chief minister also laid emphasis on water conservation.

Addressing the inaugural session, Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Metha said a process of converting coal-based energy plants into gas-based plants in the state has already been stated.

Experts form many countries, including the US, Malaysia, South Korea and Nigeria, are participating in the two-day conference.