Amreli, May 13 (IANS) Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and austerity amid global uncertainty and rising concerns over fuel imports, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday travelled with a significantly reduced convoy during his visit to Rajula town in Amreli district for the inauguration of the “Mahatma Gandhi Arogya Mandir”.

According to government sources, CM Patel arrived at the event with a convoy of only five vehicles, in what officials described as an effort to promote fuel conservation and reduce unnecessary expenditure.

Officials said the Chief Minister had made a substantial reduction in his security and official convoy while travelling for the programme.

The move came days after PM Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, use public transport and adopt measures aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel markets.

Officials further said that CM Patel’s decision was intended to set an example of simplicity and move away from “VVIP culture”, while encouraging both officials and citizens to adopt fuel-saving practices.

Local residents and party workers present at the event reportedly welcomed the initiative.

The austerity measures are also being adopted by state officials.

On Tuesday, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced that he would avoid helicopter and air travel within the state until the fuel situation stabilises and would instead use trains, state transport buses and other public transport systems for official travel.

The Governor also directed that only the minimum number of vehicles be used in his convoy despite Z-plus security cover.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also cancelled a planned visit to the United States following the Prime Minister’s appeal to reduce non-essential foreign travel.

Similar measures have been announced in several BJP-ruled states.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in official vehicle fleets, while Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta have also announced steps to reduce the use of official vehicles and encourage public transport and carpooling.

–IANS

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