Delhiites to switch off lights during Earth Hour
Delhiites are all set to turn off lights for an hour as the clock strikes 8.30 pm on Saturday to observe Earth Hour, a global climate awareness initiative.
Delhiites are all set to turn off lights for an hour as the clock strikes 8.30 pm on Saturday to observe Earth Hour, a global climate awareness initiative.
The Earth Hour is a global initiative by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) that aims to send out the message that people are concerned about climate change and that policy makers should make it their foremost priority.
India along with 92 other countries will observe "lights out" between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Saturday. All government buildings, private banks and ITC hotels will turn off lights during this time.
Even the India Inc is coming out in full support to promote the Earth Hour.
“It is projected that India will be one of the worst affected as a result of global warming. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and its members not only recognise the gravity of the challenge, but also are committed to tackling it," said Chandrajit Banerjee, CII director general.
"It is with this conviction that CII supports the Earth Hour and requests all businesses and citizens to join the campaign," he added.
Many in the city are planning to have candlelight get-togethers to show their commitment to save power -- and have fun at the same time.
"I will hold a candlelight terrace party and have invited my friends. It is going to be an excited evening," said Nishta Sharma, a Mass Communication student.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has appealed to all residents to join the initiative.
"Delhi was the lead city for Earth Hour 2009 when India joined this global campaign. Several historical buildings, office complexes, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), shopping centres and hotels switched off in support, resulting in close to 750 MW power saving in Delhi alone," Dikshit said.
Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, the brand ambassador of this initiative, also enthused Delhi to 'act responsibly'.
"As responsible citizens of this planet, it is extremely crucial for us to address the colossal problem of climate change through ensuring responsible action and adopting a sustainable way of life... It is time we take a collective pledge to 'switch on' our minds and take one simple step to switch off the lights from 8.30 to 9.30 p.m.," Bachchan said.
WWF India's Chief Executive Officer Ravi Singh said millions in 4,088 cities, towns and municipalities across 88 countries participated in Earth Hour 2009.
The Earth Hour event takes place a week after the vernal equinox when night and day are of the same duration in both hemispheres.