Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a symbolic gesture to promote environmental awareness, Energy Minister Pradhyuman Singh Tomar has pledged not to use an air conditioner or fuel-powered vehicle for the next month.

Calling it a symbolic step to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission for a cleaner, greener India, Tomar said the idea is to encourage people to embrace small changes that can collectively make a big difference.

The minister announced he will be living in a tent pitched in a park opposite his house in Gwalior, using only a fan for comfort. For his daily commute, he will rely on an e-bike, which he will charge using solar energy.

Tomar said that this is not merely a symbolic move but a practical example of how lifestyle adjustments can help secure environment for future generations. He urged people to reconsider their daily habits and contribute to pollution control efforts.

He emphasised the multiple ways pollution impacts daily life—air pollution causes respiratory illness, dust triggers allergies, water pollution spreads diseases like diarrhoea and noise pollution contributes to stress and insomnia.

Highlighting the environmental cost of modern comforts, he said that a 1.5-tonne air conditioner running for eight hours a day consumes about 432 units of electricity monthly and emits over 400 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide. Similarly, a car driving 150 kilometers a day uses about 300 litres of petrol per month, while a bike consumes around 112 litres—both contributing heavily to carbon emissions.

Tomar said that if even a fraction of Gwalior’s 15 lakh population takes small steps—like switching off air conditioners for an hour each day—the city could reduce carbon emissions by more than 5,000 tonnes in a month.

He urged people to shift towards more sustainable habits, saying, “This is not sacrifice—it’s a responsibility.”

Green Pledge

• Tomar to go without air conditioning for a month to cut power use and emissions.

• Will ride a solar-powered e-bike instead of petrol/diesel vehicles within Gwalior.

• Staying in a tent with only a fan to promote energy-conscious living.

• Appeals to citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits for a healthier environment.