New Delhi: India observed Earth Hour on Saturday with lights being switched off at various landmarks across cities for an hour from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Iconic structures like Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge, and Delhi’s India Gate participated in this global initiative aimed at promoting energy conservation and environmental awareness.
This symbolic gesture seeks to inspire individuals, businesses, and governments to take steps towards protecting the planet by reducing energy consumption and embracing sustainability practices.
Earth Hour, organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is a worldwide grassroots movement initiated in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, it has gained participation from individuals, businesses, and governments across 190 countries.
The event underscores the need for collective action to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity, highlighting the significance of safeguarding the Earth for future generations.
On the occasion of Earth Hour, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant initiative whereby power connections in non-essential departments of the state secretariat will be automatically disconnected daily for 12 hours starting from 9 PM. This measure is seen as Assam's contribution towards fostering a greener planet.
Taking to X, Sarma wrote, “On the occasion of #EarthHour2024, I have advised that power connection in offices of Assam Secretariat-except that of Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Finance & Home Dept shall auto disconnect daily b/w 9PM & 9AM.”
Meanwhile, Delhi's power distribution company BSES reported a saving of 130 MW of electricity in its area during Earth Hour, contributing to the national capital's overall saving of 206 MW. Last year, Delhi had managed to save 279 MW of electricity during the same hour, indicating a continued commitment to energy conservation efforts.
Here Are The Visuals On How Some Of The Cities Marked Earth Hour: