Haryana: DCs, govt depts asked to promote fuel-efficient practices in official functioning

The Haryana state government has launched a comprehensive initiative to promote fuel-efficient practices and reduce fuel consumption across the state, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal.

The deputy commissioners and government departments in Haryana have been asked to actively promote fuel-efficient practices in daily official functioning.

Acting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to cut down on fuel consumption and spend resources wisely, the state government has launched a comprehensive fuel-saving and environmental protection initiative across the state.

Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue & Disaster Management Departments, Sumita Misra, has called upon all Deputy Commissioners and government departments to actively promote fuel-efficient practices in daily official functioning.

In a detailed communication issued to deputy commissioners across Haryana, Misra emphasised that energy conservation is not merely a government responsibility but a collective national duty.

She urged officers and employees to become active participants in this mission by adopting practical and impactful measures that can significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The initiative encourages extensive use of public transport such as metro services, buses and trains for routine commuting instead of individual vehicle usage.

Officials have also been advised to adopt carpooling and ride-sharing practices with colleagues and nearby residents to reduce fuel consumption as well as traffic congestion.

Departments have been encouraged to use digital coordination platforms and WhatsApp groups for facilitating shared travel arrangements.

Highlighting the importance of healthier and environmentally responsible lifestyles, Misra has also advocated walking and cycling for short-distance travel wherever feasible.

The communication further stresses on minimising unnecessary official tours, air travel and foreign visits, while encouraging officials to combine multiple official tasks into a single trip for optimum fuel efficiency.

It recommends that preference be given to Electric Vehicles and fuel-efficient vehicles for future government purchases. Additionally, employees residing on campuses have been encouraged to switch to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for household usage.

A major focus of the campaign is the adoption of cleaner technologies and digital governance practices.

Officials have been directed to prioritize video conferencing for meetings to minimize physical travel and fuel usage.

Sumita Misra stated that small individual actions, when collectively adopted across departments and districts, can make a substantial contribution towards energy security, environmental sustainability and reduction in pollution levels.

Prime Minister Modi recently reduced the size of his official convoy following his appeal for fuel conservation, prompting several chief ministers of BJP-ruled states and other senior leaders to adopt similar measures.