Bangalore comes out to save hour earth

In support of the worldwide drive to reduce carbon footprint, Bangalore observed Earth Hour on Saturday with software firms, commercial establishments and even the international airport chipping in for the cause. With the theme being ‘Go beyond the hour’ this year, the voluntary blackout which began at 8.30pm lasted an hour.

Hundreds of landmark buildings and millions of ordinary homes switched off their lights as the annual Earth Hour circled around the globe in what was dubbed the world’s largest voluntary action for environment.

Infosys, which had formulated ‘Clean-n-Green Bengalaru’ drive as part of the Earth Hour campaign, took the activity on MG Road and Brigade Road to highlight the need for community participation in ensuring a ‘Clean and green city’.

As part of this, a centrally coordinated one hour switch off was conducted across all its offices, with recordings of power savings. Wipro shut down its air conditioners.

About 125 shops and establishments under the Bangalore Trade Association switched off lights. The Bengaluru International Airport held a signature campaign at the arrival and departure terminals with baggage tags having Earth Hour messages and people holding lit candles outside the waiting area of the airport.

Candlelight demonstrations were also held in malls, including Forum, Garuda and Sigma.