Civic officials; office-bearers opt for e-vehicles and bicycles to promote fuel conservation

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) witnessed unusual enthusiasm on Monday as senior officials and elected representatives opted for e-cars, e-bikes, and bicycles instead of official vehicles (running of regular fuel). Their actions became the talk of the day at the civic headquarters, which reportedly spends around Rs 75 lakh every month on fuel.

Mayor Sameer Rajurkar, who usually travels in a car provided by the administration, arrived at the municipal office on an e-bike on Monday. Standing Committee chairman Anil Makariye has also been using an e-car for the past few days.

Earlier, municipal commissioner Amol Yedge had surprised officials and employees by visiting several locations on a bicycle and even arriving at the office on one. The commissioner had already issued orders directing officers and staff to commute to work on Mondays either by bicycle or public transport. He had also clearly instructed that no official should use government vehicles on Mondays.

According to the order, officers requiring field visits would be provided e-car facilities only after prior approval from the commissioner. Additional Commissioner Ranjit Patil arrived at the office on a two-wheeler along with his bodyguard.

MIM’s ‘Gandhigiri’

The leader of opposition Abdul Sameer, along with MIM corporators and the husbands of women corporators, arrived together at the municipal office on bicycles on Monday. They also brought five extra bicycles, which were presented as gifts to office-bearers. The MIM leaders advised civic officials not to purchase new e-cars for themselves and urged them not to waste public money in such a manner.