- Declares Raj Bhavan a ‘Fuel Conservation Zone’ in response to PM Modi’s National Call
- Directs reduction of Official Convoy Size by Half
- Declares not to use State Helicopter until crisis ends
- Writes to CM, Urges Comprehensive Fuel Conservation Policy Across All Departments
- Governor as Chancellor Urges Universities to Lead the Conservation Movement
- Announces to give up his official vehicle one day every week, opting instead for an electric vehicle or carpooling
- Also appeals to all constitutional heads, ministers, MLAs to voluntarily refrain from using official and private vehicles for at least one day every week
SHIMLA, May 13: In a significant and symbolic gesture of solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary call for fuel conservation and national self-reliance amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, the Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh Kavinder Gupta today announced a comprehensive set of measures at Raj Bhavan aimed at reducing fuel consumption, promoting austerity, and positioning Himachal Pradesh as a model state in India’s collective response to global energy challenges.
Declares Lok Bhavan a Fuel Conservation Zone
Governor Kavinder Gupta announced that Raj Bhavan will henceforth function as a designated “Fuel Conservation Zone.” He announced that Lok Bhavan will observe “Petrol-Free Sundays” — with no official vehicle using a single litre of imported fuel on Sundays. All Sunday official engagements will be conducted through video conferencing or consolidated travel arrangements.
Directs reduction of Official Convoy Size by Half
The Governor has directed that the size of all his official convoys be reduced with immediate effect — a decisive and visible step that signals that the constitutional head of the state is prepared to lead by personal example even in matters of operational comfort. All non-essential official meetings will henceforth be conducted through video conferencing, eliminating unnecessary road travel. Official events and functions will be consolidated to further reduce vehicle movement. All government departments have been directed to adopt strict austerity measures and minimise fuel expenditure with immediate effect.
Declares not to use State Helicopter until crisis ends
Governor Kavinder Gupta declared that he will not use the state government helicopter for any official engagements until the West Asia crisis subsides and global fuel prices stabilise. “When the nation is being called upon to conserve every drop of fuel, it would be inappropriate for me to use the most fuel-intensive mode of official transport available,” the Governor said.
Governor as Chancellor Urges Universities to Lead the Conservation Movement
As the Chancellor of all State Universities of Himachal Pradesh, Governor Gupta made a special appeal to Vice Chancellors across the state to institutionalise fuel and energy conservation within their respective campuses immediately. He asked the Vice Chancellors to issue formal advisories to faculty, staff, and students promoting carpooling, cycling, and use of public transport for daily commute. He called upon students — as the most energetic and influential section of society — to become ambassadors of the fuel conservation movement in their colleges, hostels, and home communities. “Our universities must not merely teach conservation as a subject — they must practise it as a culture,” the Governor said.
Governor Leads by Personal Example
In a gesture designed to set a powerful personal example, Governor Gupta announced that he will personally give up his official vehicle one day every week, opting instead for an electric vehicle or carpooling. “Leadership means leading from the front,” the Governor said. “If I ask the people of Himachal to conserve fuel, I must be the first to demonstrate that commitment through my own conduct.”
Formal Appeal to State Government
Governor Kavinder Gupta has also written a formal letter to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh urging the state government to adopt a comprehensive fuel conservation policy across all departments. He has appealed to all constitutional heads, ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly to voluntarily refrain from using official and private vehicles for at least one day every week.
Message from the Governor
In his message to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Governor Gupta said:
“At a time when global uncertainties arising from the West Asia crisis are posing serious challenges to economic stability across nations, every conscious step towards conservation and self-discipline becomes a contribution to national strength. In response to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visionary call for fuel conservation, self-reliance and strengthening the economy, I urge all government and non-government employees including members of the Council of Ministers to voluntarily refrain from using their official and private vehicles for one day every week. This is not merely a measure of saving fuel — it is a collective expression of responsibility towards the nation.”
The Governor further appealed to citizens — particularly the youth — to adopt carpooling, use public transport, walk for short distances, and promote cycling as both a conservation and health measure. He urged educational institutions, religious leaders, and community organisations to spread the fuel conservation message at the grassroots level.
Gupta also called upon the people of Himachal Pradesh to embrace the “Vocal for Local” spirit — prioritising local products, handicrafts, and indigenous goods over imported alternatives, and choosing domestic tourism destinations over foreign travel.
The Governor made a special appeal to the youth of Himachal Pradesh to actively participate in nation-building and strengthen the spirit of social responsibility and discipline within their communities. He reminded them that in times of crisis and challenge, India’s greatest strength has always been its unity, discipline, and collective resolve. Himachal Pradesh has always played a leading role in the national interest — and will continue to do so.
