Why in news?
The Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) launched its annual awareness drive called Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav (SAKSHAM 2026) on 1 February 2026. The month‑long campaign, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aims to promote energy efficiency and responsible fuel consumption among citizens, industries and transport operators.
Background
SAKSHAM has been conducted every year since 2017. India imports a large share of its crude oil and natural gas; conserving these resources reduces import bills and environmental impacts. The campaign encourages people to adopt simple practices such as car‑pooling, regular vehicle maintenance, switching off engines at traffic signals and using LPG judiciously. It also showcases alternate fuels like compressed biogas and electric vehicles.
2026 activities
- Public outreach: Street plays, school quizzes, painting competitions and cycle rallies were organised across cities to convey conservation messages.
- Driver training: Workshops taught bus and truck drivers techniques like smooth acceleration and optimal tyre pressure to save fuel.
- Technology demonstrations: Mobile vans displayed LPG safety tips, energy‑efficient cookstoves and solar water heaters.
- Industry involvement: Refineries and oil marketing companies held seminars on waste heat recovery, steam auditing and use of digital monitoring to reduce fuel losses.
Importance
- Economic benefits: Conserving fuel eases pressure on foreign exchange reserves and lowers household energy bills.
- Environmental impact: Reduced fuel use cuts greenhouse‑gas emissions and local air pollution.
- Behaviour change: Mass campaigns help build a culture of efficiency and responsible consumption.
Source: Devdiscourse
