SAKSHAM-2026 push for fuel conservation in line with global energy sustainability goals

At a time when nations across the world are grappling with rising energy demand, climate change, and dependence on fossil fuel imports, India has reinforced its commitment to sustainable energy use with the launch of SAKSHAM-2026, a fortnight-long fuel conservation campaign.

The inaugural programme of SAKSHAM-2026 was held at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan in Chandigarh, marking the beginning of coordinated awareness activities from February 1 to February 15, 2026. The campaign aims to promote responsible consumption of petroleum products and natural gas, aligning India’s domestic efforts with global calls for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary-cum-Secretary Transport, Chandigarh Administration, was present at the event. The campaign will be implemented across Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, reaching diverse sections of society, including students, households, transport operators, farmers and industrial stakeholders.

SAKSHAM-2026 is being jointly organised by the State Level Coordinators of Oil Industry from Punjab and Chandigarh. Key coordinators include Ashutosh Gupta of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Sushant Goyal of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Akash Bhawan of Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Ramlal of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

During the programme, the message of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh was read out to the audience. The Governor said that petroleum and natural gas are invaluable national assets and that their conservation is vital for both economic stability and environmental sustainability. He stressed that judicious energy use is central to achieving long-term growth while addressing global climate challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Diprava Lakra highlighted the strategic importance of reducing fuel consumption in a country that imports a significant portion of its energy needs. He called upon students and citizens to adopt fuel-efficient habits, noting that conservation directly contributes to reducing import dependence and preserving foreign exchange, an issue of growing relevance amid global economic uncertainties.

Ashutosh Gupta also appealed to school children, media professionals and the general public to become ambassadors of fuel conservation. The programme included a collective pledge to conserve oil and petroleum, reinforcing the campaign’s people-centric approach. A street play was staged to creatively communicate the message of fuel efficiency, while a mobile awareness van bearing conservation slogans was flagged off to spread the message at the grassroots level.

The strong participation of students and citizens underscored a growing public awareness that energy conservation is not just a national priority but a global responsibility. By encouraging mindful consumption of petroleum resources, SAKSHAM-2026 seeks to contribute to energy security, environmental protection, and economic resilience, goals that resonate far beyond India’s borders in an increasingly interconnected world.