Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 16
The Government of India with an objective to create awareness on wastage of fuel under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has declared January 16-31 as the ‘Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight’ which has been in practice for more than two decades in the country.
The ‘Oil and Gas conservation Fortnight 2015’ for the state of Nagaland like every other states across the country, was inaugurated today at Book Marc by K. Sema, Secretary, Food & Civil Supplies, as the chief guest. Speaking at the inaugural programme, Sema said that such kind of programmes should be performed with seriousness with the hope of making a difference in the society and not just do for the sake of doing it. He said that such kind of awareness programme should be spread and reached to all kinds of people both young and old.
He opined that Nagaland which is one of the smallest states of the country has one of the highest numbers of vehicles as per the population ratio. Citing traffic jams as an unnecessary wastage of fuel, he lamented that the problem lies within the people of the State as vehicles in the State is considered as a luxury and not a need where people are ever purchasing new vehicles creating commotion in the streets. He also observed that spending money during elections is one of the major problems that affect the economy of the State.
Sanjib Chakraborty, State Level Coordinator for Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Senior Divisional Manager of IOCL while briefing the goals and objectives said that the ministry aims to create mass awareness for better and efficient use of the products. He highlighted that the Oil and Gas conservation was started in the year 1991 when the country faced ‘crisis in petroleum products’ and shortage of petroleum imports.
He said that India is not a self sufficient country in terms of fossil fuel production as only 22.7% of the annual requirements of resources are from the country while nearly 78% are imported from other countries.
Chakraborty also said that seven programmes will be held in various parts of the State wherein mass public participation is expected for the beneficial of the society. He said Mokokchung, Dimapur and Kohima will be the main hubs for the programme wherein various activities like painting, essay and quiz competitions will be conducted in schools and colleges, while seminars on saving LPG/kerosene and petrol/diesel will mark the fortnight and Marathon race, cycle rally, etc, will also be a part of the ‘Oil and Gas conservation Fortnight 2015’.
Saurav Chaliha, Chief Area Manager LPG under Tinsukia district while stressing on the limited availability of natural resources, urged every individual to strive to make efficient use of the resources while working together for the future of the country.
Banners and posters are said to be placed in various petrol depots and LPG stores at various places, while leaflets containing various tips and guidelines will be distributed to consumers.
Member Secretary, Nagaland Pollution Control Board, Rüsovil John said the ministry with an aim to save the resources, should also aim to produce good oil as ‘oil adulteration’ has become one of the major concerns of the country. Relating pollution as a major problem, he said that during such programmes, transport department should also be collaborated as ‘traffic police’ who controls the traffic throughout the day falls victims of the exhaust emissions of vehicles.
