Berhampur: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s calls for austerity measures amid disruption of oil and gas supplies due to West Asia conflict, Dr Sweta Kumar Das, the newly-appointed Registrar of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Berhampur, switched to commuting by bicycle instead of using a car or other motor vehicle.
Dr Das joined the role last week and has been navigating the sprawling MKCG campus — home to 26 departments spread across scattered locations — entirely on two wheels, even in the intense summer heat. His daily routine includes morning visits to the Dean’s office and afternoon checks at the Superintendent’s office, while personally inspecting staff attendance, sanitation, patient amenities like bedsheets, and overall hospital operations.
Speaking about his choice, Dr Das described avoiding unnecessary petrol consumption as both a moral and national duty. He urged citizens and colleagues to heed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation amid global uncertainties, particularly the West Asia crisis driving up oil prices. He expressed hope that more hospital staff and officials would adopt similar eco-friendly practices.
This is not the first time Dr Das has turned to cycling for public service. During the COVID-19 lockdown, while serving as Officer on Special Duty in Berhampur, he extensively used a bicycle to monitor pandemic management across various areas, earning public appreciation.
His initiative has already inspired others. Some postgraduate students and hospital officials have begun cycling instead of using cars or motorbikes, viewing it as a collective responsibility during the fuel crunch.
Dr Das noted the high volume of two-wheelers at the medical campus daily and encouraged medical staff and visitors to opt for bicycles where feasible, which would not only save fuel but also reduce air pollution in the area.
This came even as the city saw long queues at petrol pumps, with three of 20 filling stations suspending operations due to fuel shortage amid panic buying.
Prime Minister Modi’s appeal, which encourages measures like work-from-home where possible, carpooling, reduced official travel, and fuel-efficient practices, has prompted similar responses across states. Leaders and officials are cutting convoy sizes, promoting cycling and public transport, and revisiting efficiency measures reminiscent of the pandemic era.
