On Wednesday, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, important decisions were taken to promote energy and fuel conservation in the state.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister said that after the COVID pandemic, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the global supply chain—especially for fuel, food items, and fertilizers—has come under increasing pressure. Due to this global crisis, India is also facing rising fuel costs, import dependence, and economic pressure.
He said that Narendra Modi,Prime Minister of India has appealed to citizens to support national efforts through small behavioral changes under the current circumstances, which is expected to have a positive impact on the general public.
In this context, several short-term and long-term reforms are being implemented in Uttarakhand with immediate effect.
Work From Home
Video conferencing-based meetings will be encouraged in government departments. Work from home will also be promoted in the private sector. Along with this, people will be encouraged to make maximum use of public transportation.
No Vehicle Day
The number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s and ministers’ vehicle fleets will be reduced by half. One day a week will be declared as “No Vehicle Day.” Work under the work-from-home policy will be done from home itself. The general public will also be encouraged to observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week.
Efforts will be made to limit the use of air conditioners in government and private buildings.
One Officer, One Vehicle
The Transport Department has been instructed to increase the service and capacity of public buses. Government employees will be encouraged to use public transport. Officials handling more than one department will use a maximum of one vehicle per day.
EV Policy
An effective EV policy for electric vehicles will soon be introduced. Fifty percent of all newly purchased government vehicles will mandatorily be EVs. Expansion of EV charging stations and networks will be prioritized.
Government Foreign Visits to Be Restricted
Through the “Visit My State” campaign, domestic tourism will be promoted. Heritage, religious, wellness, rural, and eco-tourism circuits in the state will be widely publicized.
Destination weddings will be promoted in the state, along with a single-window clearance system. Uttarakhand has already taken initiatives in this direction. Non-resident Indians will be encouraged to spend their vacations in Uttarakhand.
“Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan”
Public awareness campaigns such as “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” will be launched. Under the “Made in State” campaign, sales of local products will be increased. Strict compliance with “Make in India” rules in government procurement will be ensured.
Citizens will be encouraged to limit gold purchases for one year.
Reducing Edible Oil Consumption
Awareness campaigns will be conducted regarding the health benefits of low-oil food. Efforts will be made to reduce oil usage in schools, hospitals, and government canteens after reviewing consumption patterns. Hotels, dhabas, and street food vendors will be encouraged to adopt “Low-Oil Menus.”
Promoting Natural Farming
Farmers will be trained in natural farming, zero-budget farming, and bio-inputs. Awareness campaigns will be conducted on balanced fertilizer use and soil health.
Promoting Clean Energy
PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections will be expanded in mission mode. PNG usage will be prioritized in hotels, restaurants, and government residences.
Rooftop solar installations under the government scheme,PM Surya Ghar Yojana will be promoted. The Panchayati Raj Department and Rural Development Department have been directed to promote biogas.
Approvals for mining, solar, and power projects will be expedited. The HPC constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary will approve proposals within 60 days.
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