Fuel Conservation in Daily Use Essential for Sustainable Development – Women & Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare

Mumbai : Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare emphasized that maximizing the use of solar energy and conserving fuel in daily life can ensure energy security for the future, promote sustainable development, and protect the environment.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the state government, awareness initiatives are being conducted to encourage the use of green energy for environmental conservation. As part of this effort, Saksham 2024-25 (Sanrakshan Kshamata Mahotsav) is being held from February 14 to February 28. The festival was inaugurated at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan by Minister Aditi Tatkare.

The event was attended by Rahul Tandon, Business Head of Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL); Debashish Basak, Managing Director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL); Rakesh Sinha, State Head of BPCL; Abhijit Gite, Managing Director of Indian Oil; Mohammad Shafi Awan, Deputy Director of GAIL India Ltd.; and senior managers Deepak Wagh and Ritesh Jadhav, along with officials and students. A street play performed by Rangmanch Group conveyed the message of fuel conservation to children, and a collective pledge was taken to save fuel. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his best wishes for the festival.

Minister Aditi Tatkare stated that the Indian government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in fuel by 2025, which will help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. She emphasized the need to enhance renewable energy security and create a pollution-free environment.

She also suggested small efforts at the household level—such as using gas and electricity efficiently, installing solar panels on buildings, and turning off vehicles at traffic signals—can significantly contribute to fuel conservation and sustainable development.

State Coordinator Umesh Kulkarni mentioned that from February 14 to 28, oil marketing companies will run awareness campaigns across the state to promote fuel conservation, sustainable development, and environmental protection. The campaign will reach out to students, youth, drivers, cleaners, employees, farmers, residential societies, gram panchayats, and NGOs to educate them on the importance and benefits of fuel conservation. Various conservation initiatives will be implemented, including Cyclothon, Walkathon, painting competitions, and fuel-efficient driving contests, to spread the message of fuel conservation.