Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday directed departments to promote austerity, adopt sustainable practices and ensure the judicious use of natural resources, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity call.The directions aim to reduce government expenditure, cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, encourage the use of sustainable products, strengthen local livelihoods and enhance environmental sustainability, officials said.
Saxena also called for greater promotion of domestic tourism, natural farming, renewable energy and efficient utilisation of public resources across sectors.
The Lieutenant Governor said he has already reduced the number of vehicles in his official motorcade by 50 per cent following the Prime Minister's appeal.
Calling for a coordinated and time-bound approach, Saxena directed all administrative secretaries to implement the measures through their respective departments and issue necessary instructions to subordinate offices and field formations.
"The Prime Minister has given a timely and visionary call for adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives, governance systems and developmental activities. Resource conservation, promotion of renewable energy, support to local products, healthy lifestyles and sustainable development are collective responsibilities," Saxena said.He said Ladakh, with its unique ecology and immense potential, is well placed to lead by example in implementing such transformative measures.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all departments to submit a consolidated Action Taken Report (ATR) to the Chief Secretary within 30 days and launch public awareness campaigns on energy conservation, domestic tourism, local products, healthy lifestyles, natural farming and sustainable development.
Under these directions, the general administration department has been asked to maximise the use of video conferencing and digital platforms for meetings and training programmes, reduce official travel and examine the feasibility of work-from-home and hybrid working arrangements wherever appropriate.
The Power, Transport and Urban Development departments have been tasked with promoting energy conservation, accelerating installation of rooftop solar systems in government buildings, expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and encouraging the use of public transport and electric vehicles.
The public works department has been directed to encourage environmentally sustainable construction materials, promote the use of plastic waste in road construction where feasible and explore green technologies such as bio-bitumen.
The Industries and Commerce, Handicrafts and Handloom, and Rural Development departments have been asked to strengthen the promotion of local products under the 'vocal for local' and 'one district one product' initiatives and support MSMEs, artisans, self-help groups and cooperatives.
The tourism department has been directed to intensify campaigns to promote Ladakh as a preferred domestic tourism destination and encourage responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
The agriculture and horticulture departments will promote natural farming and sustainable agriculture through awareness programmes and capacity-building activities, and the Health Department has been asked to conduct campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and balanced dietary habits, officials said.