Amid growing concerns over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its possible impact on global fuel and energy supplies, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has launched a comprehensive 15-point austerity campaign for its employees aimed at reducing fuel and electricity consumption.
The move comes following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal urging citizens and institutions to adopt austerity measures and conserve fuel in view of the prevailing international situation.
According to reports, the circular was issued on Saturday by Deputy Metropolitan Commissioner Ajinkya Padvel with the approval of Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee. The measures will come into effect from Monday and apply to nearly 1,300 MMRDA employees, including contractual staff, consultants and workers stationed at project sites.
Under the campaign, employees have been directed to reduce fuel consumption by preferring public transport and adopting carpooling practices. Officials attending meetings or commuting to offices have been advised to travel together in a single vehicle wherever possible.
The authority has also introduced a "Public Transport Day," under which employees are expected to use public transport at least once every month. Department heads have been instructed to ensure stricter implementation of carpooling norms across divisions.
Apart from fuel conservation, the circular outlines several electricity-saving measures. Employees have been instructed not to operate air conditioners in empty cabins or meeting rooms and to switch off ACs, lights, computers and other electrical appliances during lunch breaks or after office hours. Staff members have also been advised to keep doors and windows closed while air conditioners are running and make greater use of natural light and ventilation wherever feasible.
Sources said employees have further been encouraged to minimise non-essential site visits and instead rely on virtual coordination meetings to reduce travel and fuel usage. Travel will now be restricted only to essential work-related requirements.
In another notable directive, the MMRDA has asked employees to avoid using elevators for nearby floors and instead use staircases whenever possible. A senior official reportedly warned that staff leaving office premises without switching off electrical appliances could face disciplinary action.
The authority has also accelerated efforts to reduce paper consumption by shifting towards digital documentation. Printed briefing folders used during high-level meetings are being replaced with digital presentations, while internal approvals, office memos and departmental drafts are increasingly being processed through digital platforms. Wherever printing remains necessary, employees have been instructed to use double-sided pages.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has also issued a memorandum directing all units and offices to rationalise government vehicle usage and reduce fuel consumption in view of the international situation and the Prime Minister's appeal for austerity.
According to the memorandum issued by the office of the Police Commissioner, Delhi Police units have been instructed to curb avoidable vehicular movement, optimise deployment of available vehicles and promote economical fuel usage. Supervisory officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance so the department can contribute meaningfully towards fuel conservation and reduction of unnecessary expenditure.
The austerity measures come at a time when escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions around key global energy routes have heightened concerns over energy security and rising fuel prices. Authorities believe the new initiatives will help reduce fuel consumption, lower electricity usage and encourage sustainable workplace practices across government institutions.
