NTR district collector rides battery cycle to promote green mobility

Vijayawada: NTR district collector Lakshmisha on Saturday came to the collectorate on a battery-powered cycle as part of efforts to promote energy conservation and reduce fuel consumption.Speaking to officials and staff, the collector said battery-operated cycles and e-bikes should be encouraged as alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles. He stated that the administration is also considering the use of battery-operated vehicles for official district tours.Lakshmisha said battery cycles and e-bikes are now available at prices affordable to middle-class families and can cover a distance of around 40 to 50 kilometres on a single charge. He said the riding experience is similar to that of an e-bike and is suitable for regular commuting within city limits.Referring to rising fuel prices and pollution caused by conventional vehicles, the Collector suggested that govt employees should use battery-operated bikes and cycles every Friday as part of an energy-saving initiative. He asked officials to examine the possibility of gradually increasing the use of electric mobility in govt offices.Lakshmisha stated that the NTR district administration intends to encourage eco-friendly transportation methods in Vijayawada and the surrounding areas. He added that awareness among people regarding electric mobility has increased in recent years due to the availability of new models and improved charging capacity.He also referred to steps taken by the state govt to reduce fuel usage, stating that chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan have reduced the number of convoy vehicles during official travel as part of energy-saving measures.