No helicopter, smaller convoy: HP Governor leads fuel conservation push in state

Governor Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday announced a series of austerity and fuel conservation measures at Lok Bhavan, including discontinuing the use of the state government helicopter, reducing his official convoy by 50 per cent and enforcing a “Petrol-Free Sunday” policy until stability returns amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

The Governor said the initiatives were inspired by the national appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conserve fuel and adopt responsible consumption practices during a period of global uncertainty and rising fuel prices. Declaring Lok Bhavan a special “Fuel Conservation Zone”, Gupta said no official vehicles using petrol or diesel would operate on Sundays. Essential administrative work on Sundays, he added, would be conducted through video conferencing or by combining travel schedules to minimise fuel use.

As part of the austerity drive, the Governor directed an immediate reduction in the number of vehicles accompanying his official convoy. He said unnecessary movement of government vehicles must be curtailed and stressed that the administration should set an example in responsible fuel usage.

“Official meetings that do not require physical presence will now be held online wherever possible,” he said, adding that government programmes and official engagements would also be clubbed together to avoid repeated travel and excess fuel consumption.

In a significant announcement, Gupta said he would refrain from using the state government helicopter for official travel until the West Asia crisis subsides and fuel prices stabilise. He observed that when the nation was attempting to conserve fuel, it would be inappropriate for constitutional authorities to use modes of transport involving high fuel consumption.

As Chancellor of all state universities in Himachal Pradesh, the Governor also appealed to Vice-Chancellors to immediately initiate fuel and energy-saving campaigns on university campuses. He urged institutions to promote carpooling, cycling and the use of public transport among students, faculty members and staff.

Addressing students directly, Gupta encouraged them to become ambassadors of the fuel conservation movement in colleges, hostels and local communities. He remarked that universities should not merely teach sustainability and conservation in classrooms, but actively practice them in daily functioning.

The Governor also called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to use public transport, walk short distances and adopt healthier and more environmentally conscious travel habits. He linked fuel conservation with national responsibility, saying such measures not only reduce expenses but also contribute to the country’s larger economic interests.

Promoting the “Vocal for Local” campaign, Gupta urged people to buy locally made products and support domestic tourism instead of opting for foreign travel. He said Himachal Pradesh itself offered immense tourism potential through its natural beauty, spiritual destinations and adventure tourism, and promoting domestic tourism would strengthen the local economy and generate employment opportunities.

Fuel-saving drive gets constitutional push

• Governor Kavinder Gupta has launched a symbolic yet strong austerity campaign from Lok Bhavan. The move comes against the backdrop of the West Asia crisis
• Universities across Himachal Pradesh have also been urged to adopt sustainable transport practices such as carpooling, cycling and public transport use
• Calling upon students and youth to become “fuel conservation ambassadors”, the Governor linked energy saving with national responsibility, economic resilience and environmental consciousness