The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a directive instructing all civic departments to refrain from appointing consultants for new projects over the next six months. This move is part of a broader initiative to prioritize energy conservation, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for austerity measures in response to the ongoing West Asian crisis.
Background of the Austerity Call
On May 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the nation to adopt austerity measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis in West Asia. His suggestions included working from home, reducing gold purchases, avoiding foreign travel, cutting fuel usage, and promoting electric vehicles (EVs).
PCMC's Advisory
Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi issued an advisory on Monday evening, following state government directives, focusing on energy conservation, fuel control, expenditure reduction, and changes in administrative functioning.
Vehicle Usage and Travel
The civic body has instructed departments to minimize vehicle usage during inspections and official tours. Employees are encouraged to carpool and use public transport such as the Metro, railways, and PMPML buses. When outsourcing transport services, preference should be given to electric vehicles.
Suspension of Foreign Tours
All foreign tours for civic officials, whether for training, study, or official work, have been suspended until further notice. Officials have also been advised to avoid planning new overseas visits.
Expenditure Cuts
Spending on advertisements, banners, flex boards, and decorative lighting has been curtailed. Civic offices are instructed to maximize natural light usage, diligently turn off electrical equipment after office hours, and maintain air conditioner temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius to optimize energy use.
Dietary Changes
Municipal canteens, hospitals, hostels, and anganwadi centers have been asked to reduce dependence on imported edible oils. Instead, they should encourage the use of locally available mustard and groundnut oils, replacing palm, soybean, and sunflower oils.
EV Charging Stations
The electricity department has been directed to fast-track proposals for setting up EV charging stations across the city.
Virtual Meetings
The circular states that municipal-level meetings, training programs, reviews, and seminars should preferably be conducted via video conferencing. Internal meetings or training sessions and coordination should also be held online to reduce travel and other incidental expenses.
