Delhi Police asks personnel to use public transport following PM's save fuel appeal

New Delhi, May 17 (PTI) Delhi Police has directed its personnel, particularly those posted at the Police Headquarters and offices connected by Metro, to use public transport for routine commuting following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary expenditure, an official told PTI.
    The General Administration Branch (GAB) of Delhi Police headquarters, with the approval of Senior officers, has issued a set of directions, containing 13 measures aimed at reducing avoidable vehicular movement, conserving electricity and ensuring economical use of government resources across all districts and specialised units of the force.
    According to the order, staff posted in offices having Metro and public transport connectivity, especially at PHQ, have been encouraged to use public transport for daily commuting.
    "Staff posted in offices having Metro/public transport connectivity, particularly at PHQ, shall be encouraged to use public transport for routine commuting whenever operationally feasible," read the memorandum, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (GAB) Aalap Patel.
    To minimise unnecessary fuel consumption and optimise vehicle usage, the circular directed the pooling of dak motorcycles and other two-wheelers at police stations and units.
    Investigating officers and other staff travelling from the same police station, subdivision or unit to common destinations have been directed to use pooled vehicles as far as practicable.
    It also directed that routine meetings, reviews, coordination conferences and inter-unit consultations be conducted via virtual platforms.
    The order further emphasises proper upkeep and fuel-efficient maintenance of all official vehicles. Units have been instructed to ensure timely servicing, maintenance of tyre pressure, proper engine tuning, replacement of worn-out parts and periodic inspection of fuel systems.
    Supervisory officers have also been asked to ensure that vehicles due for servicing are not overused and that avoidable fuel wastage is prevented through better maintenance practices.
    In another significant instruction, security units have been directed to rationalise the size of VIP and VVIP convoys, ensuring minimum essential deployment of vehicles.
    "Security units shall ensure minimum essential deployment of vehicles in VIP/VVIP movement, without compromising security, protocols, or operational requirements," it read.
    District Deputy Commissioners of Police and unit heads have also been asked to periodically monitor fuel consumption, maintain vehicle logbooks and review utilisation patterns to ensure economical and need-based deployment.
    According to the order, any abnormal fuel consumption is to be examined immediately.
    The circular calls for optimum utilisation of manpower and available resources to improve operational productivity and cost-effectiveness in the day-to-day functioning of the force.
    Officers and staff have also been advised to minimise unnecessary printing and encourage digital communication in offices to reduce paper consumption and related expenditure.
    Units have been asked to rely more on electronic communication and online sharing of documents wherever feasible.
    The order further directs regulation of official hospitality and discretionary expenditure as part of efforts to reduce avoidable costs and ensure prudent use of government funds.
    In another measure, all officers and staff have been asked to prioritise "Made in India" products in government procurement and personal use, in line with the Centre's push for promoting indigenous products.
    Focusing on electricity conservation, the guidelines instructed officers and staff to switch off extra lights, fans and electrical appliances when not in use, and keep the temperature between 24-26 degrees Celsius when using air-conditioners.
    "All DCsP, districts/units, and supervisory officers shall issue necessary local instructions and ensure immediate compliance," the order said.
    The circular was issued on May 16 and has been circulated among all district and unit heads for implementation.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)