Promote fuel saving, carpooling and virtual meetings, Haryana tells depts

Gurgaon: Haryana govt has directed all deputy commissioners to enforce a series of strict fuel-saving measures — ranging from avoiding unnecessary air travel to promoting carpooling and online meetings — in a comprehensive push to reduce fuel consumption across departments.

Calling fuel conservation a “collective responsibility of responsible citizens,” the directive urged the heads of departments (HoDs) to motivate employees to adopt simple, practical habits.

The communication, issued by additional chief secretary and financial commissioner, Sumita Misra, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to strengthen the national mission on energy security. It outlined nine key actions for immediate departmental compliance.

Major emphasis was given to shifting to public transport. “Officials should opt for metro, buses and trains for regular commuting instead of personal vehicles wherever feasible,” the order stated.

Encouraging carpooling, the govt has advised employees to share rides with colleagues and neighbours on a rotational basis, including coordination through WhatsApp groups or carpool platforms. Walking or cycling is recommended for short distances as a healthier, fuel-free option.

Departments have been asked to minimise non-essential official tours — including air and foreign travel. Officials should consolidate multiple tasks into a single trip to avoid repeated journeys.

“The order directs that vehicles must not be kept running during waiting times, parking or long traffic halts to prevent avoidable fuel wastage,” said a senior officer. Departments have also been told to prioritise electric or highly fuel-efficient vehicles while making new procurements in line with the state’s clean-mobility goals.

Officials are encouraged to rely on videoconferencing rather than physical meetings, which should be held only when absolutely necessary. Employees living in govt accommodation have been advised to shift household fuel usage to piped natural gas (PNG), which is readily available.

Emphasising that “small individual efforts, when adopted collectively, can significantly contribute to the national mission,” the order calls for wholehearted cooperation from all officers and staff to bolster fuel conservation, environmental protection and long-term energy security.