Urges Universities to lead Conservation Movement
• Appeals youth to actively participate in nation-building and strengthen spirit of social responsibility and discipline within their communities
Shimla, May 13
Governor Kavinder Gupta today announced a comprehensive set of measures at Lok Bhavan aimed at reducing fuel consumption, promoting austerity and positioning Himachal Pradesh as a model state in India’s collective response to the ongoing global energy challenges arising from the West Asia crisis. Describing the initiative as a significant and symbolic gesture of solidarity and national responsibility, he said the measures reflect the spirit of self-reliance and fuel conservation envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Governor said that Lok Bhavan will now be a special ‘Fuel Conservation Zone.’ He announced that every Sunday will be observed as a ‘Petrol-Free Sunday.’ On Sundays, no official vehicles will use petrol or diesel. Official work on Sundays will be done through video conferencing or by combining travel plans to save fuel.
The Governor also directed that the number of vehicles in his official convoy should be reduced by half immediately. He said this decision was taken to reduce unnecessary fuel use and set an example for government departments to follow. He said that unnecessary official meetings will now be held online to avoid extra travel. Official programmes and events will also be combined to reduce vehicle movement.
Governor Kavinder Gupta further announced that he will not use the state government helicopter for official travel until the West Asia crisis ends and fuel prices become stable again. He said that when the country is trying to save fuel, it would not be right for him to use a transport system that consumes a large amount of fuel.
As Chancellor of all state universities in Himachal Pradesh, the Governor appealed to Vice Chancellors to start fuel and energy-saving measures on campuses immediately. He asked them to encourage teachers, staff and students to use carpooling, cycling and public transport. He especially appealed to students to become ambassadors of the fuel-saving campaign in colleges, hostels and their local communities. The Governor said universities should not only teach conservation but also practice it in daily life.
In his message to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Governor Gupta said that saving fuel is not only about reducing expenses but also about showing responsibility towards the nation. He appealed to people, especially young people, to use public transport, share vehicles, walk short distances, and use bicycles whenever possible. He said these habits will help save fuel and also improve health.
The Governor also encouraged people to support the “Vocal for Local” campaign by buying local products, handicrafts, and Indian-made goods instead of imported items. He also asked people to prefer travelling within India instead of going abroad for holidays. He said Himachal Pradesh itself is one of the best tourist destinations in India because of its natural beauty, spiritual places and adventure tourism. Choosing domestic tourism helps strengthen the Indian economy and creates local jobs.
Governor Gupta appealed to the youth of Himachal Pradesh to take an active role in nation-building and maintain discipline and social responsibility. He said India’s biggest strength during difficult times has always been unity and collective effort and Himachal Pradesh has always supported the national interest.
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