Ahead of the biennial petro-tech conclave a series of programmes have been launched in different parts of the country to create awareness among the masses about sustainable development. It provides a platform to oil producers, its marketing agencies, manufacturers of equipment for oil refineries and drilling to prepare a future strategy to ensure sustainable development in India and other countries. The petro-tech 2010 beginning at the end of this month has been organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in collaboration with some of its PSUs. A massive plantation drive was launched in Dehradun last week and today the Petroleum Minister, Murli Deora flagged off walkathon in the national capital which began from the National Stadium. Leading sports persons and a large number of people participated in the event to create awareness about environment protection among the masses. This year, the focus of the petro-tech is to deliberate on how the global energy markets operate. The conclave to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is expected to be attended by around 4,000 delegates and speakers from India and abroad. Several other pre-conclave events have also been planned to discuss important issues in the hydro-carbon sector and involve children and college students in the environment conservation campaign.