India observes 'Earth Hour' by switching off lights for an hour

New Delhi/Mumbai/Lucknow/Bangalore, Apr.1 (ANI): People across India observed 'Earth Hour' by switching off electric lights and appliances at their homes and in offices for an hour late on Saturday.

In New Delhi, lights of India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan were turned off for an hour between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to support the environment.

"We have been given directions that we have to participate in this and contribute what all we can to best of our efforts. So, in this, we are closing off the lights of as many buildings as we can, considering the security provisions," said Rajan.

In Mumbai, people walked on the streets holding placards to spread awareness about saving of electricity for the next generation.

"Earth Hour is very special across the World to make sure that we create awareness, spread awareness about the urgent need to preserve our environment and protect our environment against pollution, against excess carbon etc. so we have started the new initiative Eureka Forbes solar and whereby project solar a next category to provide sustainable energy and alternate source of energy, which all spoiling the environment. I am very happy to be associated with WWF the World Wide Fund to work on this Earth Hour, to make sure that we spread our message to millions of millions and we look for all the people working along with all of us to protect our environment for the future generations, for our children, for our grand children," said Mumbai resident A V Purnesh.

In Bangalore, residents expressed their concern and commitment towards the environment.

Among the enthusiasts were students from schools and colleges, executives from corporate sectors and homemakers.

Sangeeta, one of the participants, said: "This is to tell everyone that to please conserve energy. This has been organised by WWF, World Wide Fund for Nature. We are into conservation progress. Today's is the eve for one hour, we have closed all the lights to just aware everyone about the conservation. The energy you consume it long lasts for the future generation."

In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Governor Banwari Lal Joshi said: "It is not a occasion of celebration, it is about understanding about generating your feelings. Today's initiative is symbolic that we have to switch off our lights form one hour but its message is very big. We need to control our comforts, which we are enjoying and we have to limit them. All these are applicable on water, electricity and other environmental related resources. We have to make such initiates in our daily lives then only we would be able to change things for our future generations."

Earth Hour is a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) initiative symbolising the collective power of individuals, businesses and governments to reduce our impact on this planet. (ANI)