Five years ago Delhi took a big leap towards a pollution-free environment when it implemented a Supreme Court order to make compressed natural gas (CNG) compulsory for public transport vehicles in Delhi. Within a few weeks, the citizens of the Capital could feel the marked improvement in the air quality.
Today, those gains are being threatened. The sheer volume of passenger cars is pushing up the sulphur dioxide-carbon monoxide levels in the cocktail we call air.
Never before has the environmental crisis reached this magnitude as it has now. The alarm bells are already ringing loud and clear. The consequences, says environmentalists, could be terrible.
Which is why we need a vision. Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. It is the fundamental difference between what the eye can see and what the mind can envisage. The acumen to look ahead and beyond the obvious is what I describe as vision. I dream about a cleaner future and I want to share that dream with my fellow Indians. 
We must bequeath a cleaner, greener world to our coming generations. At least Delhi has already taken a positive step by substantially cutting down on the petrol and diesel pollution by resorting to the CNG/LPG technology for various types of vehicles—buses, cars etc. Nugas Technologies has joined the crusade against pollution by acquiring engine-conversion know-how from the top experts across the globe.
With air quality regulations getting tougher day by day, the need to switch over to environment friendly fuel can never be overemphasized. As an alternative fuel, CNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are increasingly used all over the world. 
Thousands of vehicles across the globe use CNG/LPG, and the number keeps growing. Practically every type of vehicle can be operated on CNG/LPG, including school buses, public transport buses, delivery trucks, cars, autorickshaws, taxicabs, cargo vans and stationary engines. For the 21st century, it is “the natural way to go”.
Since there has been some resistance by car owners in switching over to CNG, users have to be mentally prepared to accept CNG. IGL has begun an awareness campaign.
All spark-ignited engines can be converted to CNG. The kits can be retrofitted at any government-authorised retrofitter and by Nugas, which has a tie-up with NGV Motori of Italy. Vehicles running on CNG are absolutely safe. Owing to the gas’ distinct characteristics, it gives a new lease of life to the engine and reduces chances of wear and tear.
No worries on the supply front either. Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) a joint venture of GAIL, BPCL, and the Delhi government have a wide network of 135 CNG refuelling stations.
Nugas has stood up for a clean, environmentally friendly public transport system. It has taken a pledge to leave this world a greener place, not a grey one.

—The author is the Chairman and Managing Director of Nugas Technologies Ltd.

November 2005