Lights off at Earth Hour: Well, Delhi thinks it was a power cut!

The world observed Earth Hour on Saturday (March 24) from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. And so did Delhi-NCR, at least the part of Delhi-NCR that knew about it.

Residents of one of the world’s most polluted cities should know about Earth Hour — the practice of switching off all non-essential lights for one hour. A global movement started in 2007 by the conservation group WWF, is basically a symbolic act; it reminds people of the need to save energy by altering their wastage-oriented lifestyle. What we found, however, was an abysmally low level of Earth Hour awareness.

At India Gate, Delhi University student Shivani had a totally bizarre explanation for the darkness: “The lights went off because of security reasons as the German president is here for a visit.” Another visitor, Rohit Chabbra, mused, “There must be some power glitch, and the lights will be back in some time.”

A youngster, who was enjoying Delhi’s spring weather with a chuski, said, “I’m not sure why the lights went off. I think there’s a major power fault.” This young fellow felt that the darkness blighted Delhi’s reputation! He said, “It’s embarrassing. There are firangs (foreigners) who’ve come here to enjoy, and this power cut has embarrassed us.”

On asking around some more, we did hear some sane comments. Anukriti Bahuguna, 27, who works in media production, said, “We are dying. The Earth is dying. We’re drinking fuel like there’s no tomorrow. To switch off all lights at your home or at the office for an hour every day would be fantastic. Each one of us would feel like we’re actually doing something to save this Earth. I use a car that runs on natural gas, and I’ve stopped eating meat, and I try my best to use public transport.”

Soumya Pande, 26, a Master’s student of Philosophy at Jawaharlal Nehru University, had a different view, saying, “I’ve never observed Earth Hour. The motive is genuine, but I feel the situation has gone out of our control. Switching the lights off for one hour in a year makes no difference. I live a rather Spartan life; I usually walk or bike to college, have cut down on meat consumption, and make sure that I use eco-friendly products.”

I’m not sure why the lights went off. I think there’s a major power fault. There are firangs (foreigners) who’ve come here to enjoy, and this power cut has embarrassed us. A YOUNG VISITOR AT INDIA GATE DURING EARTH HOUR

PHOTO: AMAL KS/HT Visitors at India Gate during Earth Hour