Patna, May 20 (IANS) Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation amid concerns over a possible global energy crisis, Bihar Road Construction Minister Kumar Shailendra on Wednesday arrived at his office in an e-rickshaw.

The Minister said the initiative was aimed at promoting environmentally friendly transportation and encouraging citizens to adopt alternative modes of travel in the national interest.

Speaking to the media, Kumar Shailendra said that after the Prime Minister’s appeal, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had also discussed the issue during a cabinet meeting.

“On that very day, I resolved to use alternative and eco-friendly modes of transport for at least two days every week. Today, wherever I travel, I will do so by e-rickshaw,” the Minister said.

He added that he would continue using the e-rickshaw throughout the day for all official engagements, including cabinet meetings and interactions with senior officials.

The Minister stated that he had already toured 10 districts before returning to the departmental headquarters for the first time since assuming office.

He also mentioned scheduled meetings later in the day, including a cabinet meeting and a meeting with the Chief Minister, all of which he planned to attend using the same mode of transport.

Kumar Shailendra also spoke about the state government’s Sahyog Shivir initiative, describing it as an effort to help citizens who are unable to directly approach ministers or senior officials.

According to the Minister, officials are already conducting outreach programs across districts, blocks, subdivisions, and panchayats to hear public grievances.

However, he noted that many citizens remain unaware of these efforts, and the assistance camps would help bridge that gap and improve access to government services.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the nation to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel and opt for eco-friendly transportation, like the metro, electric vehicles, and others. The idea is to save as much fuel as possible and save foreign exchange.

–IANS

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