Guv, min curb convoy size after PM’s ‘austerity’ call

Ranchi: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the nation to cut down on fuel use, Jharkhand governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Wednesday announced that he is slashing the size of his convoy by half.

Announcing his decision on X, Gangwar said, “In response to the call by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, with the objective of fuel conservation and prudent use of resources, I have decided to reduce the number of vehicles in the cavalcade to just 4 at Lok Bhavan.”

Sources in the Lok Bhavan said that usually, governor having Z+ security cover uses minimum of eight vehicles. “This is besides those engaged by administration, traffic police during his movements. Hence, from now onwards, only four vehicles will be part of governor’s convoy,” said a source at Lok Bhavan.

Public representatives and governors across states have adopted fuel conservation measures since Modi’s austerity call, which was triggered by fuel supply chain disruptions globally due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Notably, Modi’s convoy was also slashed since Tuesday to conserve fuel.

Gangwar also appealed others public representatives to follow suit. “Moreover, I urge all elected representatives and office-bearers to refrain from the use of unnecessary vehicles. Let us all become participants in this public awareness campaign for energy conservation,” he said.

Ranchi MP and Union minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth said that he has also initiated steps to save fuel. “I have also reduced the number of vehicles in my convoy. At the same time, I have resolved that I will travel as much as possible in urban areas by bike and scooter only. My continuous effort will be to reduce fuel consumption as much as possible and ensure my contribution in the interest of the nation. I also appeal to the people of Ranchi to join this campaign for saving petrol and diesel by adopting small changes in their daily lives,” he said.