New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) Delhi government departments, including the PWD, water, and irrigation and flood control, on Wednesday limited the use of government vehicles, asking officials to use public transport, electric vehicles (EVs) and car pooling to save fuel.
Minister in-charge of the departments, Parvesh Sahib Singh, also directed that virtual meetings be encouraged to cut down on avoidable travel.
The officers will also observe one day every week as ‘no car day’ and use public transport or car pooling, he directed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for cutting down fuel consumption and spending more wisely, including limited use of vehicles, is not just about reducing fuel consumption, it is about bringing discipline and responsibility into the system, said the minister.
“In the PWD, and equally across the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and irrigation and flood control, we are taking these directions in full spirit – not as a formality, but as a commitment,” he said.
From minimising vehicle use and promoting electric mobility to encouraging officers to travel together and hold virtual meetings. A decision has also been taken that till further order, no officer will undertake foreign visits, whether official or personal, he added.
The directions of the minister came into force with immediate effect. The directions included minimum, need-based use of official vehicles, use of public transport, EVs, car pooling and speedy electrification of vehicle fleet.
During inspections, inaugurations and official events, officers will preferably travel together using EVs or pooled vehicles and public transport.
The DJB will maximise the use of electric pumps and permanent pumping stations in place of diesel-operated or tractor-mounted pumps. Virtual meetings will be encouraged to reduce avoidable travel, the directions stipulated.
All the offices and establishments under the PWD will ensure the installation and operationalisation of EV charging infrastructure.
Weekly compliance reports regarding the minister’s directions will be submitted by the departments concerned. PTI VIT VIT MNK MNK
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