FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) celebrated World Environment Day by launching a three-month nationwide sustainability initiative focused on turning waste into wealth. This program will be implemented in FLO chapters across the country. FLO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Productivity Council (NPC) to promote capacity building in green technologies, sustainability practices and circular economy.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Planet, Policy and Progress: Building India’s Sustainable Future”, Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, said that while the acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing in India, especially for urban mobility, they should be seen as an alternative rather than a complete replacement of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles at present.
Dr Motwani said most EV owners charge their vehicles at home overnight and use them throughout the day without relying too much on public charging infrastructure. He said the typical range of 100-150 kilometers offered by electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers is generally sufficient to meet daily commuting needs.
“For urban mobility, expensive fast-charging infrastructure is often not necessary, as home charging adequately meets most of users’ needs. Most EV owners charge their vehicles overnight and use them comfortably throughout the day,” he said.
Highlighting the challenges facing the EV ecosystem, Dr. Motwani described the current situation as a classic “chicken-and-egg” dilemma, where large-scale EV adoption and development of charging infrastructure must proceed simultaneously.
He observed that the government had initially assigned the responsibility of setting up charging networks to public sector undertakings (PSUs), but many early projects faced challenges related to technology development, location planning and commercial feasibility.
However, he stressed that the charging ecosystem is beginning to strengthen with the increasing participation of private sector players. According to Dr Motwani, more private investment is expected to improve the accessibility, efficiency and overall feasibility of charging infrastructure across the country.
He said, “As charging infrastructure develops as a sustainable private business opportunity, it will naturally become more efficient and widespread. The ecosystem is maturing, but change will require time and sustained investment.”
Dr. Motwani encouraged consumers who already own conventional vehicles to consider electric vehicles as a second family car, especially for city commuting. He said EV prices are becoming increasingly affordable, making them a practical mobility solution for urban users.
Highlighting advancements in battery technology and vehicle performance, he said many new electric models now offer driving ranges of 500-600 kilometres, significantly reducing concerns about range anxiety and making EV ownership more convenient than ever.
Expressing confidence in the future of India’s EV ecosystem, Dr Motwani said the country is continuously moving towards the development of a robust highway charging network supported by digital platforms that enable drivers to easily find charging stations.
“EVs may eventually replace ICE vehicles, but this change will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. EV adoption will spur further investment in charging infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle that will strengthen the entire ecosystem,” he said.
On this occasion, FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), the women’s wing of FICCI, announced the launch of its pan India ‘Initiative on Waste Collection and Responsible Disposal’, which aims to promote responsible waste management practices and encourage greater community participation towards building a clean and green India.
Speaking at the panel discussion, Ms. Pooja Garg, National President, FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), unveiled the FLO National Waste to Wealth Drive, a three-month sustainability campaign that will be implemented in FLO chapters across the country.
Ms Garg said, “This initiative aims to encourage waste separation, promote recycling, reduce landfill waste and help members understand the true value of a circular economy. Through this nationwide campaign, we hope to inspire sustainable behavior and create a meaningful environmental impact at the grassroots level.”
As part of its broader sustainability agenda, FLO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Productivity Council (NPC) to promote capacity building in green technologies, resource efficiency, sustainability practices and circular economy initiatives. This collaboration is expected to strengthen awareness, knowledge-sharing and skill development among stakeholders, helping India move towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.