Kohima, Jan 31 (NEPS): The Minister of Information & Broadcasting Jaipal Reddy has assured all support of the Mass Media Units like Doordarshan and All India Radio under his Ministry for educating the masses about conservation and optimum utilization of oil & gas resources in the country.

Speaking after giving away the awards for exemplary conservation work at the valedictory function of Oil & Gas Conservation Fortnight (OGCF) here today, Reddy emphasized the importance of avoiding wasteful use of energy and the useful role that mass media units can play in educating the people.

He underlined that wide reach of Doordarshan and AIR would prove critical in this regard.

Stating that the energy saved is energy produced, the Minister said that he would add to it �Energy saved is nature conserved.

We not only owe this to our nation but also to the mother earth as energy sources are finite in nature�.

Referring to the big gap between demand and supply of petroleum products, Reddy informed that this gap would further increase to about 85% in next fifteen years at the current rate of increasing consumption.

Making a call for adopting energy efficient practices, he said that government has taken several initiatives to enhance domestic production which include the recent offer of 20 exploration block for bidding under fifth round of NELP.

Speaking on the occasion Petroleum Secretary S.C.Tripathi, pointed out that the movement for creating awareness should continue throughout, as the campaign during OGCF alone is not enough.

He called upon petroleum and other user sectors to follow Japanese example, which institutionalized the best energy efficient practices after the oil shock of 1974.PCRA should develop synergy with institutions in Japan for evolving energy efficient measures.

He brought out the scope for conservation by informing that turnover in oil sector is of the order of about Rs.400.000 crore.

Tripathi however reminded that the conservation of oil & gas does not mean reduction in their use but entails the most efficient use for an import dependent country.

This is all the more important as for sustaining the high GDP growth rate, a higher energy consumption would be required.

Mrs.Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA said, �Energy conservation is no more a matter of choice, but of the utmost importance to ensure the country�s energy security.� According to official sources, the Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight 2005 organized every year by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) was marked by activities such as trainings, seminars, workshops, clinics, media campaigns, �Save oil� women�s two wheeler rallies, children painting and essay competitions.

These were aimed to cover the masses at large.

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