Haryana banned the use of air conditioners in state government offices with immediate effect in a bid to tide over a power crisis.
After Punjab, neighbouring Haryana too banned the use of air conditioners in state government offices and those of boards and corporations, universities and local bodies with immediate effect in a bid to tide over a power crisis.
The step has been taken by the government with a view to economise the use of power in the state. These orders would remain enforced till further orders, an official spokesman said here today.
He said all administrative secretaries, head of departments, managing directors, chief executive officers, secretaries of boards and corporations, all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and all registrars of universities in the state have been informed of the decision of the government.
Chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has also appealed to the people to "act with patience" and support the government in dealing with the situation.
With the opposition planning agitations in the state next week to protest the scarcity of power and water, Hooda has also appealed to political parties to give "constructive support" to the government, saying natural calamities are beyond anyone's control.
The Punjab government has already banned the use of air conditioners in its offices and decided to change the office timings to cope with the power crisis in the state.
The new timings in Punjab government offices -- 7:30am to 1:30 pm -- will be in force from tomorrow.
Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal has also appealed to market complexes, shopping malls and other commercial establishments thay they close by 7:30 pm in view of the daily shortage of over 400 lakh units of power in the state.
Meanwhile, the heat wave sweeping the region continued unabated today, with mercury hovering in the range of 42-45 degree celsius at most places.
Both the states have been facing acute power shortage, with residents bearing the brunt of cuts ranging from 8-14 hours. Industry, too, has been adversely hit by the worsening power situation.
Chandigarh, the common capital of the two states, which had sufficient power supply till a few days back, is now grappling with a shortage.
Last night, residents in many areas, particularly the southern sectors, had to spend a sleepless night due to frequent power outages.
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