Natural oil and gas conservation is a form of national service, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said on Sunday as the state launched the Saksham 2025–26 campaign in Mumbai.
Addressing the launch event at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Lodha urged citizens to make fuel conservation a part of their daily routine, stressing that the campaign’s success depends on public participation and individual effort. He linked energy conservation to India’s long-term development goals, saying it is essential for building a strong and self-reliant nation. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Developed India 2047, Lodha said conserving oil and gas is a key pillar of that roadmap. “Saving fuel also moves us towards green energy. It is a shared responsibility, and even small steps can lead to lasting change,” he said.
The Saksham campaign is being conducted under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with support from the Maharashtra government and oil industry partners. Lodha noted that reducing fossil fuel wastage helps safeguard foreign exchange reserves while also lowering greenhouse gas emissions. “Energy demand is increasing globally, and oil often shapes international politics. Fuel conservation strengthens India’s economy,” he said.
He encouraged citizens to use public transport and adopt fuel-efficient driving practices. Highlighting the state’s policy focus, Lodha said Maharashtra, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is placing strong emphasis on green energy. He also stressed the importance of introducing fuel conservation awareness at the school level to instil responsible habits from an early age. “An individual’s effort may seem small, but collective action creates real impact,” he added.
State-level Petroleum and Natural Gas Coordinator Umesh Kulkarni said Saksham 2025–26 will be observed nationwide from February 1 to 15 under the theme “Conserve Oil & Gas, Go Green.” The fortnight-long programme will include debates and group discussions for school and college students, wall art and graffiti competitions, fuel-efficient driving contests, essay writing, and television and radio panel discussions. Outreach efforts will target LPG users, drivers, farmers, industrial workers, housing societies, gram panchayats and NGOs, with a focus on promoting fuel-saving technologies and sustainable practices at the community level.
Senior officials from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and GAIL (India) Limited attended the launch, along with students, fuel distributors and state coordination teams. The event also featured a fuel conservation pledge led by senior official Deepak Wagh and a street play on energy conservation performed by the Myra Foundation.
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