Andhra Pradesh: Ministers, MLAs Cut Size of Convoys

 Vijayawada: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation in view of the West Asia crisis, ministers and legislators in Andhra Pradesh have begun reducing the use of official convoys and private vehicles.

The state meanwhile began a “No vehicle day” campain to save fuel.

The campaign, also aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy, has gathered momentum across the state. Several public representatives have begun opting for bicycles, electric bikes and minimal vehicle usage during official engagements.

Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan and education minister Nara Lokesh have reduced their convoys’ strength by nearly 50 per cent. Minister Kollu Ravindra arrived at the party office on a bicycle on Friday.

Ravindra said fuel conservation was a national responsibility. He urged the people to adopt solar energy solutions and work towards establishing at least one solar connection in every household.

Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar during his visit to his Addanki constituency on Friday avoided escort and convoy vehicles and travelled in his personal vehicle.

In Nellore Rural constituency, MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy travelled alone on an electric bike without any security to participate in developmental programmes. He inaugurated 168 development works worth `17 crore and said that the present government took up development works worth nearly `700 crore in the constituency.

He said the newly launched works would be completed within 60 days.

Meanwhile, Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao undertook a nearly 14-km bicycle ride from his Ashok Nagar residence to Machavaram in the constituency, interacting with residents and attending welfare programmes. He distributed pushcarts, ironing carts and grinders to beneficiaries and appealed to people to adopt cycling not only to reduce transportation expenses but also to improve health.