New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday announced a series of green mobility and energy conservation initiatives in response to Prime Minister’s appeal for fuel conservation.Among the key decisions is a proposal to offer a 50% concession on parking charges for electric vehicles at all NDMC-operated parking facilities. “This initiative will encourage the use of electric vehicles, help reduce fuel consumption, and mitigate traffic congestion and vehicular pollution,” said vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal after a high-level meeting to finalise a comprehensive sustainability roadmap.From Friday, NDMC will launch shuttle bus services for employees living in four major residential colonies — Palika Awas in Sarojini Nagar, Palika Gram in Laxmibai Nagar, Amrit Kal Niwas on Jor Bagh Road and Bapu Dham Flats in Chanakyapuri.Buses will arrive at designated residential locations by 9am and depart for Palika Kendra at 9.30am. In the evening, they will leave Palika Kendra at 5.30pm. NDMC will appoint nodal officers for each route to ensure smooth coordination and optimal utilisation of the service.Chahal said that from Monday, the civic body will expand the shuttle network to 14 more residential locations through the deployment of 16 buses. The locations include Palika Kunj in Mehar Chand Market, Palika Niwas and Multistorey Flats on Lodhi Road, Palika Milan, Pushp Vihar Flats in Saket, Valmiki Sadan, Gandhi Sadan, Palika Niketan in RK Puram, Palika Enclave in Moti Bagh and NDMC’s Rohini Housing Complex.NDMC has also initiated discussions with Delhi Police and traffic cops to streamline and promote e-rickshaw and e-auto services across NDMC areas to strengthen last-mile connectivity through sustainable transport solutions.“We are encouraging greater use of bicycles among officials and field staff,” Chahal said, adding that NDMC already operates 51 e-bike stations with nearly 500 bicycles.As part of the broader fuel conservation drive, all heads of departments and officers will commute by Delhi Metro every Monday. For official inspections and field visits, officials will use shared 16-seater vehicles to reduce individual vehicle usage.The council has also decided not to buy any petrol, diesel or CNG vehicle for the next one year.NDMC will focus on energy conservation across its offices and establishments. Officials said the electricity department had been directed to ensure optimum use and scientific temperature regulation of air-conditioning systems to minimise power consumption. A nodal officer will monitor implementation and compliance across departments.Chahal said public awareness campaigns had already begun. “We recently held discussions with bar associations, where legal professionals were encouraged to adopt carpooling and shared mobility practices.” Meetings with residents welfare and market traders associations will also be organised from next week.
