Chandigarh, February 02, 2026: The inaugural programme of SAKSHAM 2026 was held at Rani Laxmi Bai Bhawan, Sector 38 C in the esteemed presence of Shri Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary-cum-Secretary Transport, Chandigarh Administration. Under SAKSHAM 2026, Oil industry will hold activities for a fortnight from the 1st Feb’26 to 15th Feb’26, with an aim to raise mass awareness about the importance of conserving petroleum products. The awareness will be held throughout Punjab and Chandigarh (UT). Notably, the inaugural function was jointly organised by State Level Coordinators (SLCs) of Oil Industries of Chandigarh(UT) and Punjab.

The event was coordinated by Sh. Ashutosh Gupta, State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry, Punjab and Executive Director & State Head, Punjab State Office, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL); Sh. Sushant Goyal, State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry, Chandigarh U.T. and Chief Regional Manager, Chandigarh Retail, RO Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL); Sh. Akash Bhawan, General Manager and Zonal Head, Chandigarh Zonal Office, Gas Authority of India Ltd(GAIL) and Sh. Ramlal, DGM(Retailing Initiatives), Punjab, J&K, and Chandigarh, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited(BPCL).  The oil industry outlined various initiatives during the fortnight across key sectors—transport, industry, agriculture, and domestic—to promote oil and gas conservation.

Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh’s message to the public on the importance of conservation of fuel and energy was read during the programme. Hon’ble Governor emphasized that SAKSHAM 2026 plays an important role in creating public awareness on conservation of petroleum and natural gas, which are valuable national resources. He highlighted that responsible and judicious use of energy is essential not only for economic growth but also for environmental sustainability and called upon citizens to actively participate in SAKSHAM 2026 to promote fuel conservation, energy efficiency, and a cleaner, climate-resilient future.

In his address, Chief Guest of the event Shri Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary-cum-Secretary Transport, Chandigarh Administration emphasized the critical need for conserving petroleum products. He urged students and citizens to adopt fuel-saving practices to reduce the nation's dependence on imports and conserve valuable foreign exchange.

Shri Ashutosh Gupta, State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry, Punjab and Executive Director & State Head, Punjab State Office, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) also encouraged school children, media personnel, and the citizens of Chandigarh and Punjab to actively participate in conservation efforts. A pledge to conserve oil & petroleum was also taken at the inaugural function. A ‘nukkad natak’ to create awareness about fuel conservation too was presented. The inaugural function featured the flagging off a mobile van adorned with slogans promoting saving oil and gas to raise public awareness. Mr M K Sinha, GM(Lubes), IOCL delivered a vote of thanks and reiterated the message of conservation and importance of SAKSHAM.

The event witnessed significant participation from students and prominent citizens, reflecting a collective commitment to energy conservation. SAKSHAM 2026 serves as a vital initiative to educate the public on the importance of conserving petroleum resources. Through collective efforts, the nation’s dependence on imports can be reduced, India can conserve foreign exchange and also ensure the longevity of oil reserves.