Lucknow: In a symbolic push for fuel conservation, Uttar Pradesh Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna on Thursday cycled from his official residence at 10 Kalidas Marg to the Vidhan Sabha, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s call for sustainable practices.
Speaking after reaching the Assembly, Khanna said he would now use a bicycle to commute to his office at least once every week in line with the Prime Minister’s and Chief Minister’s vision of promoting energy conservation.
“Keeping in mind the expectations of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister to reduce diesel and petrol consumption, I have decided to use a bicycle to travel to my office at least once every week,” he said.
The minister underlined that conserving fossil fuels is a national responsibility, noting that diesel and petrol are among the country’s costliest energy resources.
“Nearly 85 to 86% of the country’s oil requirement is met through imports, resulting in a huge outflow of foreign exchange. In view of global developments and rising energy concerns, conservation has become the need of the hour,” Khanna said.
His initiative comes amid growing emphasis on reducing dependence on imported fuel and encouraging eco-friendly modes of transport as part of broader efforts to promote sustainability and energy security.