In a significant and symbolic gesture of solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fuel conservation and national self-reliance amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday announced a set of measures at Lok Bhavan. The aim is to reduce fuel consumption, promote austerity, and position Himachal Pradesh as a model state in responding to global energy challenges.
Gupta announced that Lok Bhavan will henceforth function as a designated “Fuel Conservation Zone.” He further stated that Lok Bhavan will observe “Petrol-Free Sundays,” with no official vehicle using a single litre of imported fuel on Sundays. All Sunday official engagements will be conducted through video conferencing or consolidated travel arrangements.
The Governor has directed that the size of all official convoys be reduced by half with immediate effect, a decisive and visible step signalling that the constitutional head of the state is prepared to lead by personal example, even in matters of operational comfort. All non-essential official meetings will henceforth be conducted through video conferencing, eliminating unnecessary road travel. Official events and functions will also be consolidated to further reduce vehicle movement.
The Governor declared that he will not use the state government helicopter for any official engagements until the West Asia crisis subsides and global fuel prices stabilise. “When the nation is being called upon to conserve every drop of fuel, it would be inappropriate for me to use the most fuel-intensive mode of official transport available,” the Governor said.
As the Chancellor of all State Universities of Himachal Pradesh, the Governor made a special appeal to Vice Chancellors across the state to institutionalise fuel and energy conservation within their respective campuses immediately. He asked Vice Chancellors to issue formal advisories to faculty, staff, and students promoting carpooling, cycling, and the use of public transport for daily commute. He called upon students, as the most energetic and influential section of society, to become ambassadors of the fuel conservation movement in their colleges, hostels, and home communities. “Our universities must not merely teach conservation as a subject, they must practise it as a culture,” the Governor said.
In his message to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Governor Gupta said this is not merely a measure to save fuel but a collective expression of responsibility towards the nation.
The Governor further appealed to citizens, particularly the youth, to adopt carpooling, use public transport, walk for short distances, and promote cycling as both a conservation and health measure.
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