New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Various Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and multiple administrative wings of the Centre and state governments have started adopting fuel-saving measures after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens on reducing fuel consumption, amid the continuing global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Several ministers and leaders, acting on PM Modi’s appeal, have opted for alternatives such as Metro travel, electric vehicles and have reduced their convoy sizes in an effort to conserve fuel and promote energy-saving practices.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday left from their respective residences with significantly smaller convoys, in line with the Prime Minister’s call for reduced fuel usage.

In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged citizens to follow the Prime Minister’s message by adopting fuel-saving and energy-efficient practices.

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed a 50 per cent reduction in the number of vehicles used in official convoys and encouraged officials to adopt work-from-home arrangements and virtual meetings wherever possible. CM Yogi has also appealed to people to increase the use of public transport, cycling and electric vehicles, while promoting the idea of observing a weekly “no vehicle day”.

In addition to fuel conservation, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also called for reduced electricity consumption, lower edible oil use, promotion of domestic tourism, support for local products, natural farming practices and the installation of rooftop solar systems.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also reduced the number of vehicles in his official convoy from 13 to 8 following the Prime Minister’s appeal.

The Madhya Pradesh government has also prohibited vehicle rallies and directed ministers and officials to minimise the use of vehicles and avoid large ceremonial processions.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also announced that the minimum possible number of vehicles would be used for official work by the government. She stated that she, along with Cabinet ministers, BJP MLAs, public representatives, Delhi government officers and all departments, would prioritise carpooling and public transport while reducing the number of vehicles used for official purposes.

Delhi ministers Ashish Sood and Kapil Mishra travelled to their offices using the Delhi Metro.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has also instructed officials and public representatives to minimise the use of convoy vehicles and avoid unnecessary deployment of vehicles, especially for security arrangements. He directed the Chief Secretary and other senior officials to implement similar practices across departments.

In Maharashtra, the government has made prior approval mandatory from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office for the use of government aircraft in order to curb non-essential air travel.

BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay travelled from Mumbai to Chiplun by train along with his companions.

The BJP MLA stated that, keeping the national interest in mind, he would continue to travel by local trains in Mumbai in the future as well, in order to reduce petrol consumption.

In Gujarat, the Governor announced that he would travel within the state using trains, state transport buses and other forms of public transportation instead of helicopters and flights as part of the fuel conservation initiative.

The Governor also said the size of official convoys would be reduced.

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi also cancelled his planned visit to the United States after the Prime Minister appealed for reducing foreign travel and conserving fuel.

In Bihar, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has started using an electric vehicle in support of the Prime Minister’s appeal. Several Bihar ministers and leaders of the ruling alliance also extended support to the fuel-saving initiative.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary announced that he had personally reduced the number of vehicles used by him by half and would undertake official travel only when necessary.

Bihar Building Construction Minister Leshi Singh also backed the initiative and expressed confidence that people across Bihar would support the Prime Minister’s appeal.

Earlier on Tuesday, Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale travelled via the Mumbai Metro from Vidhan Bhavan to Bandra Kurla Complex after Prime Minister Modi urged citizens and public representatives to conserve fuel amid the ongoing international energy crisis.

The nationwide response from political leaders comes at a time when rising geopolitical tensions and the continuing conflict in West Asia have intensified concerns regarding global fuel supplies and energy security.

–IANS

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