NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, APRIL 12
Gujarat Minister of State of Gujarat for Agriculture, Energy and Petrochemicals Mukesh Patel has stressed on the need to conserve petroleum products in view of increasing demand due to various reasons, including growth in the number of vehicles. He participated as chief guest for the inaugural function of Saksham 2022 held here on Monday.
Mukesh Patel applauded the oil industries for their planning to conduct various activities in the state of Gujarat. He assured his government’s commitment for optimal use of petroleum products and also talked about the various initiatives undertaken for the development of renewable energy like solar & wind.
The Minister also stressed on the present theme of SAKSHAM-22 and requested people to take part in this conservation and to give the benefits to the future generation also. He urged the usage of green fuels and electric vehicles for transportation which are more environmental friendly. He also advocated students to be the ambassadors for oil conservation.
The Minister also informed that the state government has taken measures to produce petroleum products from its 1,600 km coastal line. With a view to increase the farmers’ income and produce more ethanol for blending, the state government has tied up with adivasi farmers to produce more rice and corn. This will help in fulfilling PM Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, M Annadurai, State Level Co-coordinator, Oil Industry, Gujarat and Executive Director of Indian Oil Corporation Limited Gujarat.said that as about 84 percent of the public requirement of petroleum products is being met through imports costing Rs 7 lakh crore, using petroleum products has its impact on the country’s economy and the environment.
He stressed upon the judicious consumption of petroleum products & need to conserve it for future generations & importance of Environment protection. He also informed that during the SAKSHAM-2022 campaign more than 3,000 activities will be conducted in Gujarat for promoting Green and Clean energy. Few notable events will be like organizing Seminars, Panel Discussion, EV Rally, CNG Rally, Walkathons & Cyclothons.
To promote green energy, 50 LNG stations will be set up on highways in Gujarat. Presently, Gujarat remains on top with over 92 percent usage of LNG, PNG and will achieve 100 percent very soon. Further, more EV stations will be set up to encourage the use of green energy.
Oil companies in Gujarat have embarked on conversion of cooked oil as fuel for vehicles and oil is being extracted from the solid wastes of civic bodies.
The Oil & Gas Conservation drive is to be observed from 11.04.2022 to 30.04.2022. Inaugural function was organized on 11.04.22 in Ahmedabad by Oil Industry comprising Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., & GAIL (India) Ltd. in association with PCRA (Petroleum Conservation & Research Association).
Dr. Rajiv Srivastava of PCRA administered ‘Sanrakshn Kshamta Mahotsav’ pledge to all those present at the function.
Prizes were distributed by the Minister to 6 Depots of GSRTC for saving around 4-5% fuel in their buses.
A rally of 350 schoolchildren was flagged off by the Chief Guest to propagate the message of Oil & Gas conservation drive SAKSHAM-2022.
The Theme of सक्षम’22 is “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav through Green and Clean Energy”.
