Ahmedabad witnessed the historic landing of the world's first solar powered aircraft last night, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
The development is of most profound importance for the future of not only India, its economy and society, but also the survival of the human civilisation, Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan said in a suo moto statement.
He said this was because the world is threatened by over-exploitation of nature and climate change.
The aircraft, named Solar Impulse-2 (SI2), is capable of flying day and night only on solar power. It is on a mission to spread information about the fantastic possibilities of life free of fossil fuels.
"Its success will serve to convince all humanity that the Sun is the supreme source of energy with limitless powers. It is also the major source of power which renews itself every day and forever", he said.
The significance of Ahmedabad as choice of first landing in India should not be missed. It is the capital of Gujarat, the state that has pioneered large scale harnessing and distribution of solar energy for everyday use, he said.
Congratulating the scientists and technicians who made the feat possible, he said the entire community of Indian scientists working on the making solar power cheaper and more efficient are greatly enthused by SI2 landing in the country.
