Sustainability – Delhi Government Begins Major Public Participation Drive on Conservation
Sustainability – The Delhi government has introduced a wide-ranging campaign aimed at promoting fuel conservation, reducing energy consumption, and encouraging citizens to adopt environmentally responsible habits.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday unveiled the 90-day campaign titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan,” outlining several measures designed to encourage public transport usage, support locally manufactured products, and promote sustainable daily practices across the capital.
The initiative includes changes in government functioning, transport policies, and official travel procedures as part of a broader effort to reduce fuel consumption and traffic congestion in the city.
Work-From-Home System Introduced
Under the new plan, government departments will implement a two-day work-from-home arrangement each week. However, essential public services will continue to operate normally without interruption.
The administration has also appealed to private companies, educational institutions, and corporate offices to adopt similar flexible work systems wherever practical. In another cost-saving and fuel-reduction measure, official petrol allowances for government departments have been cut by up to 20%.
“Metro Monday” Initiative Announced
To encourage greater use of public transport, the government has designated every Monday as “Metro Monday.” Ministers, senior officials, and government employees will be expected to travel using the Delhi Metro and other public transport services on that day.
Authorities believe the move could help reduce the number of private vehicles on roads during peak office hours. In addition, staggered office timings have been introduced to ease traffic pressure across the city.
According to the revised schedule, Delhi government offices will operate between 10.30 am and 7 pm, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will function from 8.30 am to 5 pm.
Feeder Bus Plan for Employees
To improve connectivity for employees travelling from residential areas to offices, the government has prepared a feeder bus network covering 58 routes. These buses are expected to serve workers residing in 29 government housing colonies.
Officials said the plan is intended to make public transport more accessible and convenient, especially for employees who currently rely on private vehicles for daily commuting.
Citizens Encouraged to Reduce Vehicle Use
As part of the campaign, the Chief Minister appealed to residents to voluntarily observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week. The government also announced that it will not purchase new petrol, diesel, CNG, or hybrid vehicles for the next six months.
Employees who spend at least 25% of their transport allowance on public transport will receive an additional 10% allowance as an incentive.
The administration has further indicated that logistics and freight companies operating in Delhi will be encouraged to shift more cargo movement to rail transport in order to reduce diesel usage and vehicular pollution.
Official Travel and Meetings to Be Limited
The government has decided to reduce domestic travel expenditure across departments by up to 20%. Additionally, half of all official meetings are expected to be conducted online to minimise unnecessary travel.
Universities, colleges, and courts have also been advised to increase the use of digital and virtual systems wherever possible.
In another significant decision, ministers and senior officers will not undertake official foreign visits for one year. Citizens have also been encouraged to avoid non-essential international travel on a voluntary basis.
Energy Saving Measures in Government Offices
The campaign also focuses on electricity conservation in government buildings. All air conditioners in government offices will now be required to operate within a temperature range of 24°C to 26°C.
Officials said sensors and centralised master switches will be installed to prevent unnecessary power consumption when office spaces are not in use.
Chief Minister Reduces Official Convoy
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also announced a reduction in the size of her official convoy, which will now consist of only four vehicles. The administration said preference will be given to electric vehicles and public transport for official movement wherever feasible.