J-K minister ditches car, rides tonga to promote fuel conservation

Jammu and Kashmir Minister rode a 'tonga' (horse-cart) in Srinagar. It is the best way to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for fuel conservation.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Minister on Saturday rode a ‘tonga’ (horse-cart) in Srinagar, and said it was the best way to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation.

Ditching his official vehicle, Satish Sharma — the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, and Youth Services and Sports — travelled on a traditional horse-cart along the Gupkar Road here.

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The ride was streamed live on the minister’s Facebook account.

Sharma said he was supporting the Prime Minister’s campaign and appealed to people to contribute towards fuel conservation.

“Save Petrol! I believe this is the best way to implement austerity measures. Instead of travelling in a car, one should travel like this. Everyone should follow this campaign,” he said.

The minister said the ride also provided him an opportunity to travel in a horse-cart in Kashmir.

“This is good. Today, I got the chance to sit in this tonga in Kashmir,” he said, adding that tourists were welcome to visit Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing tourism season.

A security personnel and another guest were also travelling with the minister in the horse-cart.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also reduced the size of his cavalcade following the Prime Minister’s appeal for fuel conservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on May 11, urged citizens to curb the use of fuel driven vehicles amid the global energy crises triggered by tensions in West Asia.

The prime minister suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using metro rail services in cities, car pooling, increased use of electric vehicles, utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: In response to the Prime Minister’s appeal for austerity and fuel conservation, Minister Satish Sharma travelled on a horse-drawn tonga in Srinagar

(Video credit: Minister Satish Sharma) pic.twitter.com/mftffk0Vxc

— IANS (@ians_india) May 16, 2026