Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for the conservation of national resources, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday announced a comprehensive austerity and fuel-saving initiative aimed at reducing official fuel consumption amid growing concerns over a global energy crisis.
Measures to Reduce Vehicle Usage
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Choudhary stated that the state government would immediately begin reducing vehicle usage at multiple levels, from VIP movements to workplace commuting practices. These steps are intended to lessen Bihar's dependence on petrol and diesel at a time when international crude oil supply remains under pressure.
Chief Minister's Convoy Reduced
Leading the campaign from the front, Choudhary revealed that the number of vehicles in his official motorcade would be significantly reduced. He confirmed that a decision had been taken to minimize the size of the chief minister's convoy as part of the broader conservation initiative.
He also advised ministers, municipal corporation chairpersons, and other public representatives not to bring additional escort vehicles to public programs. This move aims to curb unnecessary fuel consumption during official events and public appearances.
Promotion of Work-from-Home and No Vehicle Day
Choudhary further urged government offices and private companies to encourage a work-from-home culture wherever feasible. As part of the initiative, he proposed observing one day every week as a 'no vehicle day' to promote lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
Referring to the Prime Minister's appeal, Choudhary said that Modi had called for reducing the use of petrol and diesel, and Bihar had accordingly taken several important decisions, including cutting down the number of vehicles in the chief minister's convoy.
Appeal to the Public
For the public, the Chief Minister appealed for greater use of mass transport systems such as Metro services, local buses, and auto-rickshaws instead of private vehicles.
Other Cost-Cutting Measures
In another cost-cutting measure, Choudhary directed canteens operating inside government offices to minimize the use of palm oil.
Support from NDA Allies
The announcement received visible support from NDA allies during the state cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. JD(U) ministers Ashok Choudhary, Madan Sahni, and Zama Khan arrived together in a single vehicle at the secretariat, signaling support for the conservation campaign.
Ashok Choudhary, the state's food and consumer protection minister and JD(U) national general secretary, said the government had resolved to take every possible step to reduce fuel consumption, and carpooling was one of the practical measures being adopted.
Context of Global Energy Crisis
The Bihar government's decisions come amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. With the Iran-US conflict widening and concerns increasing over disruption in global crude oil supply, Prime Minister Modi has warned of serious economic consequences. He reportedly advised central agencies and state governments to prepare in advance, cautioning that any prolonged energy disruption could trigger a crisis more severe than the challenges witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
