Mumbai’s response to the Batti Bandh campaign was mixed, with large parts of the city not switching off lights.
While citizens supported the Batti Bandh campaigh, many politicians homes remained lit throughout the hour
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s response to the Batti Bandh campaign was mixed, with large parts of the city not switching off lights. Many residents appeared reluctant to spend the hour in darkness, but large parts of the city showed enthusiasm for the idea.
Arun Bhatia, general manager, Inox said, “We have supported the Batti Bandh. We have put off the other lights apart from emergency and safety lights for one hour at our Inox multiplexes at Nariman Point and Santzacruz.”
Residents of Talmaki Wadi, Tardeo organized a candle lit dinner from 7.30-8.30. Ketaki Mavinkurve, a 20-year-old who took the initiative says, “We urged people to switch off their lights, but as it was a weekend, people weren’t motivated enough. Some couples told us that they would miss out on their favorite soaps.” Sanaya Chavda, 25-year-old resident of Breach candy, says she doubted the impact of the campaign but switched off her lights nonetheless.
The head offices of the (BMC) and the Mumbai Police , both backers of the campaign, switched off their lights during 7.30 - 8.30pm, but many MLAs and politicians preferred to stay away from the campaign. CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, Home minister RR Patil and revenue minister Narayan Rane’s homes the fewthat remained lit. When asked as to why the CM was not supporting the campaign, a staffer commented, “The CM can promote the campaign on TV or in print, but personally doing it is very different. We have heard about the campaign, but have received no instructions on switching off the lights.”
RR Patil’s staff who was unaware of the Batti Bandh campaign, stated that they hadn’t received orders to switch off the lights either. A staff member said: “We don’t switch off lights during the evening, why should we do so today?” A BMC authority at the head office said that employees were sent home early, so that the BMC could promote the campaign. “We were told about the campaign a week in advance. The only lights on are the emergency ones.”
Most private gymkhanas followed the bandh. The Mumbai Police Gymkhana, however, preferred to run on fewer lights rather than on none. All the lights at the Raj Bhavan and in the building in the adjoining lanes were switched off.
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