Bhopal. SAKSHAM 2021 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) was inaugurated today by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Principal Secretary, (Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection), MP Government, in the august presence of Padm Pande, representing State-Level Coordinator ( SLC ), MP, at Indian Oil Bhawan, MP State Office, Bhopal.
SAKSHAM is a significant annual event which is organized jointly by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and the oil industry under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India with the sole purpose of bringing awareness among the people on the need for conservation of oil & gas and the means to do it. During this period, various activities are carried out in sectors like Transport, Industrial, Agriculture and Household to spread the message on Fuel Conservation.
Recognizing the importance of Oil Conservation
This year, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has decided to conduct this drive for a month from 16.01.2021 – 15.02.2021 across the country with the theme of “Green & Clean Energy”.
In his keynote address, Shri Kidwai, conveyed that COVID-19 has taught us the need for conserving nature and we need to change our lifestyles to save the earth from the effects of global warming and the escalating environmental pollution. He highlighted the various initiatives taken by Govt of India, like the switchover to the ultraclean BS VI fuels, increase in LPG penetration to 96% through PM Ujjawal Yojna, thrust on increasing share of Gas in energy mix by development of City Gas Distribution networks, plan to start 5,000 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants to produce 15 MMTPA of gas, research in emerging fuels like Hydrogen with CNG, promotion of e-mobility options, etc. In the closing, he stressed that nature-based solutions are the best solutions and he urged all to develop the habit of using energy in an optimal way, with aim of boosting the national economy, providing a healthy environment, reducing import bill and sustaining the ecosystem.
Padm Pande, in his Inaugural address, elaborated the various initiatives taken by Oil Marketing Companies in general and IndianOil in particular to provide energy options with lower carbon footprints and reduced environmental pollution. He highlighted some of the initiatives like production of Bio-diesel from RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil), Bio-ethanol production plant set up at Panipat, the ongoing efforts to develop cost-effective Aluminium-based batteries and starting of battery-swapping services at IndianOil outlets, as well as various digital initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
During this one month of Saksham celebrations, oil companies, jointly with Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), will conduct training programs for drivers on better driving habits to save fuel, workshops for housewives on better cooking habits to save LPG and promoting safe and optimum use of LPG in rural area by conducting LPG Panchayat. Across the state, quiz contests, debates and painting competitions will be organized in schools and colleges to emphasize upon the importance of conservation. Also, mass awareness programs will be conducted in Agriculture and Industrial sectors.
Cycle rallies will be conducted in 12 cities of MP on 31st Jan, 21 to promote the use of bicycles for saving fuel and improving health.
Senior officers of oil companies like BPCL, GAIL, HPCL and PCRA shared the dais in the inaugural function. During the function, the Saksham Pledge was administered by the Chief Guest to all participants. Another highlight of the inauguration was a Nukad Natak on the theme of “Clean and Green Energy” and a video on CBG – a Saksham-related initiative by the oil industry.
