The impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s appeal for fuel conservation is now visible in Ujjain administration’s functioning. From Wednesday, senior administrative officials in Ujjain started travelling together in a single traveller bus instead of using multiple government vehicles for inspection of Simhastha-related works. Officials said the move was aimed at reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, lowering government expenditure, and minimising traffic congestion during official inspections.

Officials Travel Together

On Wednesday morning, nearly 15 senior officers travelled together in an Urbania traveller vehicle to inspect the 29-kilometre-long ghat development area being prepared for the upcoming Simhastha fair in Ujjain. The inspection team included Divisional Commissioner and Simhastha Mela Officer Ashish Singh, Collector Roshan Kumar Singh, Municipal Commissioner Abhilash Mishra, UDA CEO Sandeep Soni, Tehsildar Alok Chore, and officers from the Water Resources Department, traffic police, and other departments. Officials jointly reviewed construction activities and infrastructure arrangements being developed for pilgrims expected during the religious gathering.

Daily Inspection Continues

Administrative officials have been conducting regular inspections of Simhastha preparations for the last one week.Earlier, officers from different departments used to reach the inspection site in nearly 15 separate vehicles every day. These included SUVs and official cars belonging to departments such as PWD, Revenue, Municipal Corporation, Water Resources, and Police.Officials generally travelled nearly 16 kilometres daily during inspections apart from additional travel from their official residences to the ghat area. According to administrative estimates, most vehicles used for inspections were high-fuel-consumption SUVs with air conditioners running continuously during field visits.

Major Reduction in Fuel Use

Officials explained that fuel consumption and expenditure have reduced significantly after the shift to a common traveller bus. Earlier, each vehicle reportedly consumed nearly four litres of fuel during inspection rounds. Based on the number of vehicles involved, daily expenditure on petrol and diesel was estimated at around Rs 6,750.

However, on the first day of the new arrangement, the traveller bus reportedly covered nearly 12 kilometres while consuming only around 2.5 litres of diesel. Officials said the fuel expense for the bus trip remained below Rs 250, though the vehicle itself has been hired at a daily rental cost of around Rs 4,100. The administration believes the move will still result in overall savings by reducing multiple vehicle usage and operational expenses.

Traffic Pressure Also Reduced

Collector Roshan Kumar Singh said the earlier practice of multiple government vehicles moving together created unnecessary traffic pressure in the city. He stated that a convoy of several official vehicles often caused inconvenience to regular commuters and increased congestion near inspection routes. Now, with all officials travelling in one vehicle, both fuel use and traffic-related issues are expected to reduce considerably. Officials described the initiative as a practical administrative reform that could be adopted in other government activities as well.

Inspection of Simhastha Works

The inspections are focused on preparations for Simhastha, one of the largest religious gatherings in the country, where crores of devotees are expected to arrive in Ujjain. Authorities are currently reviewing development of ghats, approach roads, public facilities, traffic arrangements, and infrastructure projects linked to the event. Officials begin inspections early in the morning and also conduct foot surveys covering nearly six kilometres daily to examine on-ground progress. During the visits, officers issue instructions to contractors and department teams regarding quality, timelines, and public convenience. Construction and beautification works are currently underway at several ghats along the Shipra river.

Administration Stresses Teamwork

Simhastha Mela Officer Ashish Singh said the new travel arrangement was introduced in line with the fuel-saving message given by the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. He stated that earlier, officers from different departments travelled separately, leading to avoidable fuel consumption and higher government expenditure. Travelling together in one vehicle, he said, would not only save fuel but also strengthen coordination and teamwork among officials. Administrative officers believe discussions during shared travel will also improve communication and faster decision-making during field inspections.

The initiative is being viewed as a symbolic but significant step towards promoting fuel conservation and environmentally responsible governance. Experts say government departments adopting shared transportation methods can reduce fuel dependency and help lower emissions in urban areas. The move has also generated discussion among citizens regarding efficient use of public resources and reduction in VIP-style vehicle movement. The administration’s decision comes amid wider national conversations around energy conservation, sustainable transport, and responsible governance practices. Officials indicated that similar measures may be considered for other government inspection activities in future if the model proves effective.

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Dainik Jagran Exclusive: Gyan Bharatam Mission Takes Shape in Madhya Pradesh

In an exclusive interview with Dainik Jagran, Madhya Pradesh’s Nodal Head for the Gyan Bharatam Mission, Nilesh Lokhande, detailed how the national initiative is uncovering centuries-old manuscripts through technology and public participation.

Interview Highlights Mission Goals  

The Union Ministry of Culture launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission following its announcement in the Union Budget 2025 (Paragraph 84). Madhya Pradesh has moved swiftly, with the Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums leading the state-level rollout. The 90-day National Manuscript Survey, running from March to May 2026, aims to map manuscripts across all districts.

Nodal Officer Shares Progress  

Speaking to Dainik Jagran ,  Lokhande explained the core objective. “Our rich knowledge tradition is preserved in old records and ancient manuscripts that hold immense medicinal, literary and religious wisdom,” he said. Many such treasures remain tucked away in homes and temples, untouched by modern documentation. The mission seeks to bring this hidden heritage into the light without disturbing private ownership.

Gyan Bharatam App Empowers Citizens  

A user-friendly mobile application is at the heart of the drive. Citizens can download the Gyan Bharatam App from the Google Play Store and upload details in seven simple steps — personal information, preferred language, followed by manuscript specifics such as quantity, script, material (paper, palm leaf or others) and current condition. “The process is straightforward and completely voluntary,” Lokhande noted. Since the app’s official launch on 16 March 2026, more than 75,000 manuscripts have already been reported from various institutions and districts in Madhya Pradesh.

House-to-House Survey Underway  

Beyond digital reporting, teams will conduct physical outreach. Local administration will visit homes, temples and private collections to verify entries and encourage participation.  Lokhande clarified that the government will digitise and conserve manuscripts only with consent. “Physical ownership stays with the custodians. We create digital copies for preservation and return the originals safely,” he assured.

Committees Ensure Smooth Coordination  

An MoU between the Centre and state government has paved the way for structured implementation. A state-level committee has been formed, followed by district-level bodies that will oversee ground-level surveys. These panels will assess the historical importance of reported items and coordinate further digitisation work. The entire exercise is designed to run in phases, ensuring every corner of Madhya Pradesh is covered within the stipulated 90 days.

Rich Manuscript Tradition at Stake  

India’s manuscript heritage represents generations of accumulated knowledge copied painstakingly by hand long before printing technology existed. Many valuable texts still lie in private custody, vulnerable to time and neglect. The Gyan Bharatam Mission combines modern tools with grassroots effort to safeguard this legacy. In Madhya Pradesh, the response so far signals strong public enthusiasm for protecting cultural assets that connect the past with the future.

Digitisation and Conservation Planned  

Once verified, selected manuscripts will undergo professional scanning and, where needed, expert conservation. The digitised versions will eventually be made accessible to researchers and scholars while originals remain in private hands. Mr Lokhande emphasised that the mission is a collective national endeavour, with Madhya Pradesh playing an active role.

Public Call to Preserve Heritage  

With the survey gaining momentum, officials urge citizens across the state to download the Gyan Bharatam App and share information about any manuscripts in their possession or knowledge. “Your contribution can help secure centuries of wisdom for coming generations,”  Lokhande told Dainik Jagran. The next few weeks are critical as the 90-day window progresses, and more reports are expected from remote areas.