Odisha H&UD Department issues advisory on fuel conservation, vehicle pooling

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s Housing and Urban Development Department has issued an advisory promoting fuel conservation and responsible use of official vehicles in view of the prevailing global economic uncertainty and evolving international situation.

The initiative has been undertaken under the guidance of Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee following the Prime Minister’s call for sustainable resource management and energy conservation.

As part of the advisory, officers have been asked to adopt vehicle pooling or ride-sharing practices during official meetings, inspections, field visits and other government engagements wherever feasible.

Officials said the move is aimed at reducing unnecessary fuel expenditure, improving administrative efficiency and supporting national efforts towards energy conservation.

The department has also advised officers and employees to avoid using official vehicles for lunch outings or other non-essential short-distance trips during office hours. Instead, they have been encouraged to use shared transport and environment-friendly alternatives for shorter distances.

The advisory has been extended to all organisations functioning under the department, including municipal corporations, development authorities and urban transport agencies across the state.

Among the organisations covered are WATCO, OSHB, ORERA, Directorate of Municipal Administration, Directorate of Town Planning and other urban development bodies.

All agencies have been instructed to implement similar fuel-saving and resource optimisation measures in their respective offices.

The department said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on administrative discipline, efficient resource utilisation and collective responsibility in addressing global economic and energy-related challenges.