AP Officials Take Up Fuel Conservation Amid Global Crisis

VIJAYAWADA: With the global crisis in West Asia threatening disruptions in supply of crude oil and LNG, Andhra Pradesh ministers and senior officials have appealed to people to conserve fuel and adopt eco-friendly transport systems. State Mines, Geology and Excise minister Kollu Ravindra urged people to reduce consumption of petrol, diesel, LPG, and electricity to minimise the impact of international supply disruptions on India. The minister, along with APSRTC chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao, travelled on a bicycle and visited the Machilipatnam Bus Station to promote fuel-saving measures and encourage greater use of public transport. Interacting with passengers, especially women commuters, Ravindra highlighted the need for energy conservation at the household level. He inquired about the use of LPG and electric stoves. He appealed to citizens not to take out their private vehicles but instead use bicycles, buses, trains or electric vehicles. The minister pointed out that fuel conservation by every family would strengthen the economy and help preserve natural resources for future generations. On the day, NTR district collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha travelled to the Collectorate on an electric bicycle from his camp office as part of the “My Nation – My Responsibility” initiative. Lakshmisha said the district administration had begun implementing austerity and fuel-saving measures in response to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s call for efficient utilisation of resources during the prevailing global situation. The collector said officials are being encouraged to observe “No Vehicle Day” every Friday. They have been asked to use electric bicycles for local inspections and electric vehicles for longer-distance travel. He praised the locally manufactured e-bicycles and said such innovations should be promoted. Lakshmisha said he has purchased two “Chitti Panther” electric bicycles, each capable of travelling up to 40 km on a single charge.