The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday conducted a virtual meeting with leading industry associations to deliberate on fuel conservation, energy efficiency, and strategies to reduce operational costs in the face of evolving global challenges.
Meeting Organized by Invest UP
The meeting was organized by Invest UP and chaired by Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Deepak Kumar, with Additional Chief Secretary Alok Kumar serving as co-chair. Officials noted that the initiative aligns with appeals made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on fuel conservation and economic prudence.
Suggestions for Fuel Reduction
Addressing industry representatives, Deepak Kumar proposed measures such as work-from-home arrangements, virtual meetings, carpooling, and increased use of public transport to reduce fuel consumption. He also urged industries to minimize electricity usage by utilizing natural daylight and limiting decorative lighting in commercial establishments.
Encouraging Sustainable Practices
The commissioner encouraged industries to shift freight movement from roads to railways wherever feasible and to promote electric vehicle adoption by supporting charging infrastructure. He also stressed the need to strengthen local consumption and support initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP).
Industry Proposals
Industry bodies participating in the meeting proposed several measures. Laghu Udyog Bharati suggested reintroducing net metering to encourage solar energy use. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry proposed advanced road technologies to reduce bitumen imports. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for faster implementation of EV subsidies and a dedicated solar policy.
Wide Industry Participation
Representatives from industry bodies including CII, NASSCOM, the Indian Industries Association, and several regional chambers also attended the meeting and assured their support in promoting the advisory across industries.
