MUMBAI, 25 APRIL, 2023 (GPN): The Inaugural function of SAKSHAM -2023 was held on Monday 24th APRIL, 2023 at Y.B Chavan Auditorium, Mumbai and was graced by Shri Ravindra Chavan, Hon’ble Minister for PWD, Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Government of Maharashtra. 

Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav (SAKSHAM-2023) has been organized by Petroleum Ministry & State Level Coordination Committee  for conservation and economical use of Oil & Natural gas. The Inaugural function was organised  at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre Auditorium. Hon’ble Minister Shri Ravindra Chavan was speaking on occasion. 

Among the dignitaries present  were Shri Anilkumar P BPCL’s Executive Director (Gas), Shri Ajit Dhakras, Regional Level Coordinator IOC, Shri Rajiv Srestha, Chief General Manager, IOC, Shri Lakshmanarao, GM, HPCL, Shri Santanu Basu, GM, GAIL  &  Shri Nandan Gajbhiya, Addl. Director, PCRA West.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Ravindra Chavan said, Maharashtra has performed well  during the year 2022 by conducting various events during SAKSHAM-22 and it is a matter of great pride that State Level Coordinator for Oil & Gas industry Maharashtra has been awarded with All India no.1  by Petroleum Ministry during glittering function held at  New Delhi.”

“We are the citizen of an independent country, enjoying freedom for years, responsible enough to make the country ‘Sujalam Sufalam’, (rich and content in every aspect). Our country is moving towards the development path and challenges are the biggest hurdles, it’s important to identify these problems as they vary from generation to generation and thus working together with the environment and nature is of great significance.” said Chavan.

He underlined ‘SAKSHAM’ as a platform to understand the importance of saving fuel, a mission aimed to teach the measures to save fuel, creating public awareness for the nation’s well-being.

Shri Chavan emphasised the campaign to conserve energy, should start from every house, just like we save money for our children’s education and brighter future, we need to treasure fuel for our future generation, thus enhancing our national wealth, he said.

According to him, the government is also working on developing bio-diesel from domestic oil as the country faces a fuel shortage and nearly 85 per cent of its import hampers the country’s economic growth. So, saving fuel is a habit each and every citizen should inculcate in life, the minister added.

The others to attend the program were government officials, petroleum companies’ officials, petrol pump dealers, LPG distributors, direct consumers, transporters, vendors, and school teachers and students.

SAKSHAM will continue for nearly 15 days and would be graced by multiple activities and mass campaigns conducted by oil marketing companies, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum along with the Gas Authority of India (GAIL) across Maharashtra.

The Minister expressed opinion that fuel saving is the need of the hour for the country’s energy security, sustainable development and environment protection.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has also launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan from house to house and on this line energy protection net zero should be implemented as part of the campaign and publicity of this initiative across the state. Hon’ble Minister Shri Ravindra Chavan also said that the new generation should understand these challenges.

In this program, students presented various skits to create awareness on fuel saving. Also, the winners of various debate competitions were given away prizes and teachers were also felicitated for their outstanding contribution towards conservation of Oil & Gas in the state

Shri Santosh Nivendkar,Maharashtra State Coordinator of Oil Industry said, Saksham-2023 has been organized with the tag line of Energy Conservation towards “Net Zero” from April 24th to May 8th, 2023 during which more than 1000 different programs have been organised as mass awareness campaign. 

Shri Manohar Anbhore, Chief Manager, State Coordination proposed vote of thanks.Ends