Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday reduced the size of his official convoy and announced a phased transition of Government vehicles to electric mobility. Describing the initiative as a step towards responsible resource management, the Chief Minister said, “Every step towards energy conservation is a contribution to nation-building.” The decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for responsible fuel usage amid global energy uncertainties and environmental challenges. As part of the revised protocol, only essential vehicles including security vehicles and an ambulance will accompany the Chief Minister during official visits. Other vehicles traditionally attached to the convoy have been withdrawn, signaling what officials described as a move towards leaner and more accountable governance. Sai said the world is currently facing energy instability and environmental stress, making prudent use of petrol and diesel a necessity. He emphasised that energy conservation is not merely about reducing fuel consumption but about safeguarding the future of coming generations and strengthening environmental security. The Chief Minister said the State Government has begun implementing administrative measures to curb fuel usage and ensure disciplined use of public resources. Ministers and officials of state-run corporations and boards have also been advised to exercise restraint in the use of official vehicles and government facilities. In a major policy direction, Sai announced that all government vehicles will be gradually converted into electric vehicles (EVs) in a phased manner. He said the transition would help reduce fuel expenditure, lower pollution levels and accelerate Chhattisgarh’s shift towards cleaner energy solutions.

 

Calling for public participation, the Chief Minister urged citizens to use public transport, adopt carpooling and avoid unnecessary use of private vehicles. He said small behavioural changes could collectively lead to substantial environmental and economic benefits. Reinforcing the message in a post on X, Sai termed Prime Minister Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation as “the need of the hour” in view of the global energy situation. He reiterated that the reduction of his convoy and the promotion of electric vehicles reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable and responsible governance. Invoking the spirit of “Nation First,” the Chief Minister appealed to citizens to actively participate in the campaign, stating that every conscious step taken today would strengthen the country’s energy security, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.WCD Minister Rajwade drops protocol vehicles, pushes fuel-saving measures: Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and prudent use of resources, Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Laxmi Rajwade has decided to discontinue use of pilot vehicles, follow cars and other special protocol vehicles except in essential security situations.

 

Rajwade said fuel conservation was not merely an economic concern but a collective responsibility linked to national interest and environmental protection. She stated that public representatives and government institutions should themselves set examples through restrained use of resources and promotion of a simple lifestyle. The minister also issued directions to the Women and Child Development Department and Social Welfare Department to reduce unnecessary use of official vehicles. Instructions in this regard were issued to principal secretary Shahla Nigar for immediate departmental review. According to officials, both departments have been directed to review the number of vehicles presently in use and retain only those required for essential official work, while non-essential vehicles would remain unused for the time being. Rajwade further instructed officers and staff working at her residence office to adopt a pool vehicle system to ensure optimum use of resources and reduction in fuel consumption. Appealing to citizens to contribute towards energy conservation, the minister urged people to increasingly adopt public transport, carpooling and other fuel-saving measures.