Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) and Tribal Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali inaugurated “Saksham-2018 “, a one month long program organized by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) here today.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister lauded PCRA for organizing a campaign to sensitize the masses about conservation and efficient use of petroleum products which will lead them towards better health and environment.Ch. Zulfkar said that the initiative will play a vital role in creating awareness among masses towards judicious utilization and conservation of petroleum products along with use of energy efficient appliances and switching to cleaner fuels.The Minister said that conservation of petroleum products by using another means is need of the hour. “The use may be for transport or everyday use of household sector, more importantly, conservation of petroleum products can address the concern of climate change and protect our environment for a healthy living for coming generations and sustainable development”, the Minister affirmed.Ch. Zulfkar further added that the dependence on crude import to meet our energy needs have increased immensely and this heavy import has strained our economic resources. “To protect our environment, greater emphasis needed to be put on the conservation of petroleum products”, the Minister maintained.
Underlining the ill effects of alarming pollution due to burning of wood and fossil fuels, the Minister emphasized on effective use of clean fuels like LPG, CNG etc.Ch. Zulfkar said that the government is providing subsidized gas connections under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) to make the households free from polluting agents.Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary, FCA&PD said the campaign like Saksham will educate the people about the importance of conservation of oil and gas to make the future of country secure and called for active public participation to protect and preserve the environment.Director, FCS&CA, Jammu, R.A Inqlabi, Director, FCS&CA, Kashmir, Nisar Ahmad Wani, Controller Metrology, R.K Katoch, State Level Coordinator of oil companies,J&K, Hari Anupam, Territory Manager, Retail Jammu, BPCL, Rajesh Sharma and other senior officers of concerned departments and agencies were present on the occasion.