No Petrol on Sundays: Himachal Pradesh Governor Slashes Convoy, Embraces Video Meets to Save Fuel

In a symbolic gesture of solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for fuel conservation amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday announced a comprehensive set of measures at Lok Bhavan aimed at reducing fuel consumption, promoting austerity, and positioning the state as a model in India's collective response to global energy challenges, as per a press release.

Governor Kavinder Gupta announced that Lok Bhavan will henceforth function as a designated 'Fuel Conservation Zone'.

He announced that Lok Bhavan will observe 'Petrol-Free Sundays' with no official vehicles using a single litre of imported fuel on Sundays.

All Sunday official engagements will be conducted through video conferencing or consolidated travel arrangements.

The Governor has directed that the size of all his official convoys be reduced by half with immediate effect, a decisive and visible step that signals that the constitutional head of the state is prepared to lead by personal example even in matters of operational comfort.

All non-essential official meetings will henceforth be conducted through video conferencing, eliminating unnecessary road travel.

Official events and functions will be consolidated to further reduce vehicle movement, the release noted.

This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers downsizing their convoys.

The Himachal Pradesh Governor also declared that he will not use the state government helicopter for any official engagements until the West Asia crisis subsides and global fuel prices stabilise.

"When the nation is being called upon to conserve every drop of fuel, it would be inappropriate for me to use the most fuel-intensive mode of official transport available," the Governor said.

Speaking to ANI, Gupta urged the public to follow the directives of the Prime Minister.

He stressed on less usage of vehicles and the use of public transport more than private vehicles.

"Considering the US-Iran war, this is a global crisis because of which the PM made such an appeal during his speech,” the Himachal LG said.

“People follow the directions of the leaders who set an example for the public to follow. I think that everyone should follow his directives. Universities have also been directed to encourage students to use public transport instead of private cars," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)