New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday criticised the Centre's nationwide rollout of E20 fuel, alleging that while it is being projected as a measure to promote cleaner energy and reduce oil imports, it fails to adequately address its impact on water resources and food security.

In a post on X, Ramesh said a comprehensive assessment of the E20 programme should take into account its ecological footprint, particularly the large amount of water required for ethanol production from crops such as sugarcane, rice and maize.

"The Modi government is billing the hurried nationwide rollout of E20 fuel as a step towards cleaner energy and lower oil imports. But a holistic assessment of its ecologic...