Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar mayor rides e-scooter, civic chief cycles to HQ to conserve fuel

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a move to promote fuel conservation, office-bearers, officials and AIMIM corporators of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation on Monday avoided diesel-powered official and personal vehicles, opting instead for environment-friendly modes of transport to reach the civic headquarters.The initiative followed directives issued by municipal commissioner Amol Yedage, who had instructed all officials and employees to use bicycles or public transport for commuting, explicitly stating that no govt vehicles should be used for the day.Mayor Sameer Rajurkar arrived at the civic office on an e-scooter, while standing committee chairman Anil Makariye used an electric car. Commissioner Yedage himself cycled to the office.Additional commissioner Ranjit Patil also adhered to the directive, arriving on a two-wheeler along with his bodyguard. Several department heads and officials similarly avoided official vehicles, choosing personal vehicles, bicycles or public transport.However, AIMIM corporators led by opposition leader Sameer Sajid Builder also cycled to the office, but termed their participation a form of protest against Makariye, alleging that electric vehicles were being purchased even as the civic body struggled to meet key requirements due to budget constraints.According to the civic administration, officials requiring field visits were permitted to use e-cars only after obtaining prior approval from the commissioner.Officials said the initiative was aimed at promoting fuel conservation and raising awareness among citizens about the importance of adopting environmentally sustainable modes of transport.