India, May 14 -- The Maharashtra higher education department has directed universities and colleges across the state to implement fuel-saving measures, promote car-pooling and reduce avoidable travel as part of an energy conservation drive.

In a circular issued on May 13, director of higher education Shailendra Deolankar instructed all vice-chancellors and regional joint directors to ensure that colleges and university campuses adopt measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and unnecessary expenditure.

The circular stated that rising fuel use and increasing environmental concerns have made it necessary for educational institutions to encourage sustainable practices in daily functioning.

Among the measures suggested, colleges and uni...