Delhi switches off lights for Earth Hour

NEW DELHI - As the clock struck 8.30 p.m. Saturday, hundreds of Delhiites voluntarily switched off their lights for one hour to observe Earth Hour, a global climate awareness initiative.

The Earth Hour is a global initiative by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that aims to send out the message on climate change and that policy makers should make it their foremost priority.

India observed the Earth Hour with 92 other countries between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Saturday.

One such enthusiastic Delhiite was Ishita Aggarwal, who said: “I encouraged all my friends to take part in the initiative and they all ultimately did. I also observed Earth Hour at my house to save our earth.”

Many in the city had candlelight get togethers to show their commitment to save power.

Among these was Nishta Sharma, a mass communication student, who organised a candlelight party with her friends.

“I organised a candlelight terrace party and invited a number of my friends. It was an exciting evening and we enjoyed besides showing our commitment to our earth,” she said.

ITC hotels also turned off their lights during this time.

According to BSES officials, there was a power saving of 165 MW in the areas they supply power due to the Earth Hour.

The initiative also had support from the India Inc.

“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.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had also 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, had 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.