Bhubaneswar: Aligning with national efforts to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, Odisha’s Lok Bhavan on Wednesday announced a complete transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for its fleet and installation of a 500-kilowatt solar rooftop power generation system.
The initiative directly responds to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to citizens and institutions to conserve fuel amid global oil market volatility and strengthen the Indian economy.
“… Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a call to all the citizens of the country to take certain measures to strengthen the economy of the country… he advised shifting to electric vehicles so that the crude oil import can be reduced. Therefore, Lok Bhavan, Odisha, has taken steps to use only electric vehicles and establish a 500
-kilowatt solar rooftop system to generate power…,” Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati said, emphasising the importance of collective action.
The staff are also being encouraged to use EV vehicles, which they can charge for free at Lok Bhawan, he said, while detailing the measures suggested by the PM to conserve India’s foreign exchange reserves, which have been pressured by rising global oil prices due to conflict in West Asia.
By adopting made-in-India EVs and rooftop solar, Lok Bhavan aims to demonstrate practical ways for institutions to support national goals of energy security and environmental responsibility. “We are also writing to Vice Chancellors of Universities to follow ‘combustion-free vehicle day’, during which they can use EVs, bicycles or public transport,” the Governor said.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi halved the number of vehicles used in his official convoy. He also advised people to minimise the use of private vehicles, opt for public transport, and restrict travel to essential purposes only.
The CM has also advised citizens not to buy gold and not to make unnecessary foreign trips in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity appeal.