Campaign Announced Amid Global Energy Concerns
Table of Contents
Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced the Delhi government’s new “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” Action Plan, aimed at encouraging fuel conservation, energy savings and greater public participation amid global energy challenges and ongoing international conflicts.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister said the initiative has been launched in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for responsible energy use and national contribution during uncertain global conditions.
Focus on Public Transport and Fuel Savings
Under the campaign, the Delhi government will promote the use of public transport, carpooling, reduced electricity consumption and restrained government spending. Several administrative measures have also been announced, including “Metro Monday,” staggered office timings, limited use of official vehicles and increased use of video conferencing for meetings.
The Chief Minister said all ministers, senior officials and government employees would be encouraged to travel by Delhi Metro every Monday as part of the “Metro Monday” initiative.
“To reduce traffic congestion and fuel consumption, we will celebrate every Monday as Metro Monday and maximise the use of public transport,” she said.
Work-From-Home Advisory for Government and Private Sector
The government has also decided to implement work-from-home arrangements for two days every week across Delhi government departments. Private companies and institutions will be advised to adopt a similar policy, while the Labour Department will monitor compliance with the advisory.
Officials said the move is expected to reduce vehicular traffic on roads and lower overall fuel consumption in the capital.
Cut in Fuel Allocation for Government Vehicles
The Chief Minister added that fuel limits for government officials’ vehicles have already been reduced by up to 20 percent. According to the announcement, the existing petrol allocation of 200 to 250 litres for officials will now be curtailed as part of the conservation drive.
The Delhi government has also reduced the number of accompanying vehicles used by ministers and senior officials.
Revised Office Timings to Ease Traffic
In another step aimed at easing traffic congestion and lowering fuel consumption, Delhi government office timings have been revised from 10:30 am to 7 pm. Officials said the change would help stagger commuting hours in comparison to Central government office timings, which currently run from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Appeal to Citizens for ‘No Vehicle Day’
Appealing directly to citizens, the Chief Minister urged Delhi residents to voluntarily observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week and rely more on public transport systems such as the Metro and buses.
She said conserving petrol and diesel should be viewed as an act of national service and stressed that public participation would play a key role in the success of the campaign.
