Chandigarh
11 April 2022
DIVYA AZAD
Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, Hon’ble Punjab Governor & UT Administrator today inaugurated a 20 day-long campaign, Saksham 2022 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav). The campaign took off at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Sector 26 here.
While speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, said, “It is the need of the hour to ensure optimum utilization of Petroleum Products across various end use segments. I am sure that this month will go a long way in promoting Conservation of Oil & Gas through various mass awareness activities planned by the Oil Industry members in Punjab.”
The theme for Saksham this year is Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav through Green & Clean Energy. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas through PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association) and Oil PSUs have been conducting fuel conservation drive all over India.
The Governor lauded the oil industry initiative of creating awareness among the General Public & also the end users of precious Petroleum Products about the need for judicious use of Petroleum Products.
“Petroleum products like LPG and kerosene are still sold to public at subsidized rates, which puts additional pressure on the exchequer as well as oil companies. The country’s heavy dependence on oil import is a matter of serious concern. There is an imperative need for efficient utilization and conservation of petroleum products through various means”, the Governor said.
He added, “The theme of Saksham 2022 is Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav through Green & Clean Energy. Therefore, I urge upon every citizen to use the fossil fuels judiciously and to shift to cleaner fuels viz Ethanol Blended fuels, Bio Gas, LPG, CNG, PNG and CBG wherever possible, to achieve a cleaner, safer, healthier and prosperous India.”
Jitendra Kumar, State Level Coordinator (Oil Industry), Punjab and Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Chandigarh while speaking on the occasion said, “Fuel conservation and efficiency measures would not only save on the huge import bill, but also help in reducing greenhouse gases and other noxious pollutants thereby protecting the health of the citizens and the environment. With this view, this campaign aims to intensify efforts for making more and more people aware about the need, issues and solutions for conservation & effective utilization of petroleum products through various people-connect activities.”
“I am sure that this month will go a long way in promoting Conservation of Oil & Gas through various mass awareness activities planned by the Oil Industry members in Punjab.”, he said, adding India imports 82% of its oil needs and aims to bring that down to 67% by this year, i.e. 2022 by replacing it with local exploration, renewable energy and indigenous ethanol based fuel.
Subodh Choudhry State Level Coordinator (Oil Industry), U.T. Chandigarh & Deputy General Manager (Retail), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Chandigarh Regional Office welcomed the Chief Guest and other senior dignitaries for having spared time to grace the occasion. Shri Subodh Choudhry emphasised the need to inculcate the habit of saving Petrol, Diesel & LPG in day to day life.
Among other prominent dignitaries present included, Lalit Bhatt, Chief General Manager, Marketing, GAIL India Ltd; Mohit Bhatia, State Head (Punjab, J&K, & Chandigarh), Bharat Petroleum Corpn Ltd, Chandigarh and Girish Jain, Chief General Manager, IOC, Chandigarh.
Officers from all oil companies, LPG distributors of Chandigarh, retail outlet dealers of Chandigarh, lube distributors of Chandigarh, teachers, schoolchildren, participants from transport sector, agriculture, Industrial sectors among others were present on the occasion.
A short film giving tips to save Oil & Gas in daily life was played.
During the Campaign, various activities will be conducted in Chandigarh & various districts of Punjab. These include campaigns on fuel conservation Quiz programmes/Group discussions in schools, colleges and public places through debate, group talk, street plays, Cycle Rally and wall painting competitions. Campaigns on Fuel Conservation will be taken up through workshops in engineering colleges, industrial sectors & transport sectors, jingles on radio and on social media. A mobile Van will spread the message of Oil & Gas Conservation during the Campaign period in Chandigarh & Punjab.
There will be group talks on oil and gas conservation in resident welfare associations, housing societies and colonies. On 29th April, 2022, the valedictory function will be held wherein prizes will be given to the winners.
In addition, the campaign will include online pledge on fuel conservation, fuel efficient driving contests, LPG panchayats covering safety and conservation tips, and training of LPG delivery boys on LPG saving tips.
