Lucknow, May 14 -- Following the Prime Minister's appeal to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed immediate implementation of the initiative across the state. Since then, the campaign has started showing a statewide impact. From cabinet ministers to councillors, people are ensuring their participation in the drive. Uttar Pradesh Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna took a notable step in this direction.
On Thursday, he travelled by bicycle from his official residence at 10 Kalidas Marg to his office at the Vidhan Sabha, giving a message of energy conservation and fuel saving. AYUSH Minister Dr. Dayashankar Mishra 'Dayalu' used an electric vehicle.
Minister Suresh Khanna said, "I would go to office by bicycle at least one day every week to spread awareness among the public about fuel conservation and environmental protection."
He said that nearly 85 to 86 percent of petroleum products in the country are imported, leading to heavy foreign exchange expenditure. In such a situation, saving fuel is linked not only to economic strength but also to national interest.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has continuously been promoting environmental protection, clean energy and balanced use of resources. Minister Suresh Khanna's initiative is being seen as an extension of the same vision of the Yogi government. By encouraging the use of bicycles, the government is also promoting a healthy lifestyle and pollution control. The initiative is being viewed positively at both political and administrative levels.
Varanasi: The effect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal is now visible in 'Kashi'. Keeping global circumstances in mind, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed the necessary use of energy and fuel across the state.
AYUSH Minister Dr. Dayashankar Mishra 'Dayalu' has started using a single electric vehicle, while Cantt MLA Saurabh Srivastava rode a bicycle in his area. Mayor Ashok Tiwari walked from his residence to the Municipal Corporation office on Thursday. His supporters and councillors were also seen participating in the campaign.
District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar has directed all officials and employees in the district to ensure fuel saving by minimising the use of departmental and private vehicles. Varanasi Municipal Corporation will observe Saturday as 'No Fuel Day'.
Gorakhpur: The impact of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's directions has started becoming visible in Gorakhpur as well. Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava has started travelling without an escort vehicle. MP Ravi Kishan Shukla has also reduced the size of his convoy and is now travelling with only two vehicles. Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) Vice Chairman Abhinav Gopal has removed the escort vehicle used for official duties following the Chief Minister's appeal. Along with this, administrative officials are also preparing to adopt a 'No Vehicle Day' once a week soon.
Ayodhya/Barabanki: In Ayodhya, Mayor Mahant Girish Pati Tripathi and Municipal Commissioner Jayant Kumar have returned their security vehicles to the Municipal Corporation. The Mayor said that the Municipal Corporation has prepared a concrete strategy to reduce fuel expenditure. Under this plan, all councillors will avoid using private vehicles on Mondays and will come to the Municipal Corporation office using public transport.
Similarly, in Barabanki, District Magistrate Ishan Pratap Singh walked from his residence to his office at the Collectorate. Additional District Magistrate (Finance/Revenue) Nirankar Singh also walked with him. The District Magistrate has also removed his escort vehicle to spread the message of fuel saving and simplicity among the public.
Prayagraj: After the appeal made by Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Prayagraj DM Manish Kumar Verma, Divisional Commissioner Soumya Agarwal and Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar have removed their escort vehicles. These administrative officers are now travelling in their own vehicles. An important meeting was called under the chairmanship of the Prayagraj Mayor.
Mayor Umesh Chand Ganesh Kesarwani said that it has been decided in the House that all councillors will now use two-wheelers instead of four-wheelers while visiting their areas. Deputy Mayor Akhilesh Singh said that all public representatives collectively believe that, considering the global situation, they should stand with the nation.
Moradabad: Positive impact of the Chief Minister's directions has started becoming visible on the ground in Moradabad division. Divisional Commissioner Aanjaney Kumar Singh reached his office on a bicycle. District Magistrates of Moradabad division have also ensured active participation in this major campaign to reduce expenditure. Rampur DM Ajay Kumar Dwivedi has directed all officials to avoid unnecessary use of vehicles and reduce fuel consumption. In line with this, he also conducted two important meetings virtually to reduce vehicle movement.
Mirzapur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed ministers to reduce their fleets by half and instructed administrative officers to save fuel. In this connection, District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Gangwar has also directed departmental officers and employees to conserve fuel.
He instructed officials to make maximum use of public transport for field visits and use government vehicles only when absolutely necessary. Officers have also been asked to coordinate with other departments and share vehicles during field visits.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.