Manipur: SAKSHAM 2026 campaign launched to promote oil and gas conservation
Imphal: The inaugural function of Sanrakshan Kshamata Mahotsav (SAKSHAM) 2026, themed “Conserve Oil and Gas, Go Green,” was held on Monday at Manipur College, Imphal.
The fortnight-long programme, observed from February 1 to 15, 2026, is organised by public sector oil and gas companies operating in Manipur under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
The campaign was inaugurated by K. Bono Singh, Director, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD), Government of Manipur, who emphasized the high costs involved in the exploration and extraction of natural resources. He called for increased public awareness on the judicious and responsible use of limited resources such as oil and natural gas to ensure their availability for future generations.
Highlighting global trends, Singh noted that developed countries are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, along with electric vehicles, to reduce reliance on non-renewable fuels. He warned that global oil and gas reserves may last only 50–70 years, while coal reserves may last 70–100 years, underlining the urgent need for conservation and responsible consumption.
Referring to India’s consumption patterns, Singh said the country is currently the third-largest consumer of oil and gas after the USA and China and may become the largest within the next 20–30 years. As domestic crude production is insufficient to meet demand, India relies heavily on imports, incurring significant expenditure. This, he added, is the reason behind SAKSHAM Fortnight, observed nationwide to raise awareness about fuel conservation.
The function was presided over by Aribam Devadash Sharma, Principal, Manipur College, while Rajkumar Mohen Singh, State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry Manipur, and Haobam Bobo Singh, OSD, CAF&PD, attended as Guests of Honour.
As part of the event, students, teachers, and representatives from public sector oil and gas companies took a collective pledge under SAKSHAM 2026 to conserve oil and gas for a sustainable future.