Petroleum Ministry’s responsibility extends beyond energy security, says Suresh Gopi

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi speaks at the 15-day Swachhata campaign organised by Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) at Kadri Park in Mangaluru on Monday.
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Emphasising the need for citizens to keep their surroundings clean, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi on Monday said the Petroleum Ministry’s responsibility extended beyond maintaining energy security to environmental care, community welfare, and sustainable development.

The Union Minister of State took part in the annual 15-day Swachhata Pakhwada-2026, organised by the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL). Speaking at the event, Mr. Gopi said sustaining the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 11 years ago, for the benefit of future generations, was a huge task. He said the Petroleum Ministry had taken the responsibility of carrying forward the campaign aimed at making the country the cleanest in the world.

The 15-day cleanliness drive is being held by several organisations across the country. “I intend to take part in events in 10 States, while my colleague Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas) will take part in events in the remaining States this year,” Mr. Gopi said.

Lauding the Ramakrishna Mutt and MRPL for sustaining the cleanliness campaign in Mangaluru, Mr. Gopi said, “When institutions, volunteers, students, citizens, and spiritual organisations come together, cleanliness becomes more than an activity. It becomes collective behaviour. A clean city creates confidence and respect.” He added that he was proud of MRPL for carrying forward the spirit of the Swachh Bharat initiative.

Speaking at the event, MP for Dakshina Kannada Capt. Brijesh Chowta said Mangaluru was among the cleanest cities in the country. He also said the city was a land of temples and continued to be the safest city in the country.

MLA for Mangaluru City South D. Vedavyas Kamath recalled the days he spent in Thrissur constituency in 2024 as the party’s in-charge for the campaign, which helped Mr. Gopi get elected. Calling himself a fan of Mr. Gopi’s acting, Mr. Kamath said he had watched the film ‘Kaaval’ five times. Swami Jitakamananda of the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mutt also spoke.

MRPL Managing Director Mundkur Shyam Prasad and students of a Government First Grade College took part in the activity held at Kadri Park.