Prem Singh Tamang on Monday, May 18, walked over two kilometres from his official residence to attend a government event in a symbolic move to promote fuel conservation and responsible spending.
The gesture comes as the Government of Sikkim has started implementing fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for reduced fuel consumption and careful expenditure amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Officials said Tamang walked from Mintokgang, his official residence, to Manan Kendra in Gangtok to attend the programme. After the event, he returned home by taxi.
This was the second time in recent days that the Chief Minister chose to walk the route. On May 15, he had also walked to attend another official event.
During Monday’s programme, Tamang announced that private vehicles would be exempt from the odd-even traffic rule on Saturdays and Sundays. However, the restriction will continue for government vehicles.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s press secretary, Yougan Tamang, said the move was meant to set an example and support the government’s fuel-saving and austerity measures.
The state government has also introduced several other steps, including restrictions on vehicle movement and stronger public transport services as part of the initiative.