Bangalore blinks for hour to save earth

Bangalore, April 1 (IANS) India's tech hub late Saturday partly plunged into darkness for an hour, as public and private organisations, companies, malls and shops joined thousands of greens to turn off lights for saving the earth from climate change.

From 8.30 p.m. onwards, several localities across the city witnessed an hour-long blackout and frenzy, as hundreds of denizens took to streets to observe the 'Earth Hour' and spread awareness on the need to protect the planet's fragile ecology.

"We are overwhelmed by the response, individually and collectively, to the call for observing the event with such intensity and concern. Awareness through media (print and electronic) enabled more people to participate this time voluntarily," a senior official of the state-run utility provider (Bescom) told IANS.

Being a weekend, hundreds of citizens, including families who were outing for shopping or dining were in for surprise when well-lit up malls, shops and restaurants turned dark suddenly and candles flickered in genteel breeze.

About 500 activists gathered on Brigade Road and M.G. Road in the central business district with banners and posters to educate public about the global event.

"As part of our contribution to the cause, illumination and lights in corridors of Vidhana Soudha, Vikas Soudha and over a dozen government buildings in downtown were put off," Bescom general manager L.Ravi said.

Taking a cue from non-government organisations and corporates, several resident welfare associations (RWAs) in upscale and middle class localities succeeded in making people switch off their tubelights and bulbs till 9.30 p.m..

"The response was, by and large positive, and spontaneous among the youth. While many shut lights at the stroke of 8.30 p.m., some of the residents had to be persuaded to join the rest in observing the event," Indiranagar RWA member N. Sampath Kumar told IANS.

Besides IT bellwethers Infosys and Wipro, multinationals such as HP and Dell and back-offices and call centres participated in the event by switching off all lights (barring essential) in their buildings and campuses.

Students in hostels and college campuses like the reputed Indian Institute of Science (IISc) also took part in the green event to save energy.