MUMBAI, 21 APRIL, 2023 (GPN): Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has announced the launch of ‘Saksham 2023’, an annual people-centric event for mass awareness and energy conservation sustainability today at the Press Club, Mumbai. The event was lauched by Sh. Santosh Nivendkar, Chief General Manager (Retail), State Level Co-ordinator, (Oil Industry), Maharashtra – Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

SAKSHAM-2023 is an important national program initiated by Government of India for Energy Security, Sustainable Development and Environment Protection of our Country.

The campaign will continue from 24^th April 2023 till 08^th May 2023, with the tagline “Energy Conservation Towards ‘Net Zero’/ ऊर्जा संरक्षण ‘शुद्ध शून्य’ की ओर ”. It is a flagship public awareness campaign to spread the message of Fuel Conservation and Energy Efficiency and help in building a cleaner and greener India and also reduce its reliance on crude oil imports.

The scale of the climate crisis means that full decarbonisation of the economy rather than partial reduction of emissions is now the target. Instead of just using fossil fuels more efficiently, this requires ceasing using them at all. In India to curb and conserve petrol usage presently 20% Ethanol mixed petrol has been recommended by Indian Government. New generation Vehicles in future will be tried to run on 100% Ethanol. EV Vehicles have also successfully played it’s role in becoming independent of fossil fuels and revolutionize green environmental friendly energy. Also new types of energy carriers, such as Green Hydrogen, are emerging to replace fossil fuels in ‘difficult to electrify’ applications.

In case of Conventional fuel like LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) PNG (Piped Natural Gas) is proving highly beneficial and the best alternate for LPG Cylinders. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is also reliable. PNG satisfies most of the requirements for fuel across all segments, being efficient, non-polluting and relatively economical.

With only one carbon and four hydrogen atoms per molecule (Methane) Natural Gas is a composition of hydrocarbons (Almost 95% Methane & rest other Hydro Carbons). Its calorific value generally ranges from 8000 kcal/m3 to 9000 kcal/m3, Natural Gas has the lowest carbon to hydrogen ratio, and hence it burns completely, making it a more environment friendly fuel.

The recognition of the scale of the climate crisis means that full decarbonisation of the economy rather than partial reduction of emissions is now the target. Instead of just using fossil fuels more efficiently we will need to stop using them altogether.

Numerous programs and activities all over the country have been planned by PCRA in association with upstream/downstream Oil & Gas Public Sector companies during ‘Saksham-2023’. Participating Oil & Gas Companies and PCRA partners like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum (HP), GAIL, ONGC, CPCL, NRL, IGL, Mahanagar Gas, Oil India Limited, OIDB and EIL has contributed towards the ultimate goal of the program to curb wasteful expenditure on fossil fuels, reduce the growing burden on foreign exchequer and protect the environment from the adverse effects of Green House Gases emanating from burning of fossil fuels.

As part of the focus on promoting green and clean energy, the government has initiated several programmes, including expansion of CGD network, Ujjwala LPG, pursuing a roadmap for 20% ethanol blending in petrol, augmentation of share of natural gas in the primary energy mix, SATAT initiative, LNG as a transport fuel, National Hydrogen Mission and policies for the promotion of electric vehicles.

Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has been in the forefront to create mass awareness towards Conservation of Petroleum Products, Promoting Fuel Efficient Equipment and helping the government in proposing policies and strategies for petroleum conservation. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas & State Level Co-ordinators of Oil Industry have taken up various initiatives with the active involvement/ support from the concerned State Government to spread Mass Awareness.

As a part of this, Oil Industry in Maharashtra is organising the inaugural function of SAKSHAM-2023 on 24^th April 2023 at 11.00 am in the august and auspicious  presence of Shri Ravindra Chavan, Hon’ble Minister for PWD Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department.

Before start of Program Chief Guest will grace the Rangoli Competition event followed by Skit on Oil Conservation organised by Oil Companies, enacted and presented by participating School Children.

Various activities have been lined up during the fortnight like Group Talks/ Debates for School Students, Graffiti/ Wall Painting Competition in Colleges, Fuel Efficient Driving Competition, Article Writing, Press Conferences, Talk Show and Jingles on Radio will also be broadcasted for Mass Awareness.

More than 1000 activities will be conducted throughout the State of Maharashtra during SAKSHAM – 2023.

During the Opening Ceremony prizes will be distributed and given away to the Students/ Teacher’s at the auspicious hands of Hon’ble Minister for their outstanding contribution towards fuel and oil conservation.

The keynote address during the announcement of Saksham 2023 was delivered by Shri Santosh Nivendkar, Chief General Manager (Retail), State Level Co-ordinator, (Oil Industry), Maharashtra – Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to the select mainline media alongwith an eye-opening presentation comprising of the various roles and contribution by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Participating Oil & Gas Companies, Government of India and Maharashtra CM and Deputy CM.

The Thank note address was delivered by Shri Deepak G Wagh, State Level Co-ordinator (Petroleum & Natural Gas) Maharashtra.Ends

FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE EVENT CLICK: HERE

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