It’s high time, you put that light off!

On December 12, in conformity with Batti Bandh, an Indianised version of Earth Hour 60, many residents will switch off their lights between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Are such campaigns more than an act of symbolism? DNA asks people if such initiatives will help raise consciousness about global warming and will it show results on a sustained basis.

Impose penalties for wastage
It’s a good way to sensitise people about using electricity wisely. These initiatives are important and could be taken to greater levels. If every individual switches off the lights and electrical appliances at home and office daily then it’s surely a significant contribution. Also the authorities responsible for the streetlights must ensure that they are turned off at the right time. Fines must be imposed, in case electricity is wasted carelessly. People need to understand that judicious use of electricity can actually make a huge difference. Many hydro-electricity projects are built close to tiger reserves and large tracts of forests are lost, hence creating more pressure on the environment. I use CFL bulbs at home and office and solar energy for heating water, instead of electric geysers. I use natural light as far as possible while working. We must spread awareness among children, through our nature camps.
— Rahul Rao, director, Foliage Outdoors/ Explore Wild India

Eco-consciousness is necessary
The Batti Bandh is a good initiative and it is all about sensitising the people about climate issue and energy conservation. Even Greenpeace has been celebrating December 12 as world action day for moving ahead towards climate issues and saving energy. Awareness is essential for everyone. If you start implementing certain small measures, it will make a big difference in the world. Firstly instead of a yellow bulb one can use a CFL bulb at home and in offices. Secondly if you are buying a vehicle, then you must look at how good the vehicle is with regard to carbon emission. Normally in India, private vehicles emit 150 gram per km, however in other countries they have reduced the level of emission upto 70-80 gram per km. It is lacking because there is no such law to curb emission. If you use a laptop instead of desktop, you can save energy as a laptop consumes less energy.
— Deven Digwal, Public Engagement Campaigner-Greenpeace India

Joint participation is the key
In the year 2007, a group of friends came together to express their concern over the deteriorating condition of the environment. They conducted campaigns and events to raise awareness among citizens about global warming and the role of the public in keeping the earth green. The campaign culminated in an effort to express solidarity and save energy by switching off all bulbs and electrical appliances. The seeds for Batti Bandh were sown by Keith Menon and his friends, and we are working with them to take it forward. An hour of switching off lights will not stop global warming instantly, but it will be a good start. It will be a perfect example to show people that we care and that we can unite to fight the greatest threat mankind faces today. This one hour will show the world that they can initiate change. Batti Bandh strives to tell each individual that every effort counts and no action is insignificant.

There are several ways to help the cause. Tell your friends and kin about the effort, help us spread the word to as many people as possible. For further details contact 9820297774 / 09712388606
— Kaizad Bhamgara, Batti Bandh

Movement has created awareness
I don’t think this is an act of symbolism. We are not aware about the huge difference, it can make if the amount of energy that Mumbai can conserve by switching off their lights for only one hour. Let’s not disparage the efforts that are put in such campaigns, if such campaigns are encouraged then I’m sure they can be expanded effectively to bring about a change in doing something for the environment. I personally ensure that there is no extra electricity consumption at home. Also I try being eco-conscious in small ways like by walking a short distance rather than using a vehicle and encouraging others to do the same.   
 —Charmi Khot

Spread word about the campaign
We have already faced erratic rainfall this year. There are floods, droughts, lack of potable water — all the signs of climate change and impending disaster. The writing on the wall is clear, that we are doing something wrong. It’s evident that the time has come when we become more serious and concerned about the environment. If each one contributes in some way or another, by not wasting electricity, food, fuel and water, then it will make a huge difference. Regarding the Batti Bandh campaign, last time there was not much awareness. Hence many didn’t bother to take the effort and switch off lights.
—Maheshwar Toraskar

Don’t confine it to a single day
Switching off lights and appliances for one hour will definitely go a long way. It brings a sense of realisation to citizens and impels them to conserve energy and save the world from global warming. This initiative should go beyond just one day in a year. It should be a regular practice, in offices, factories and major energy consuming units world over, to help reduce the adverse effects of global warming. I personally turn off the television, mobile chargers and other regular appliances instead of keeping them on a standby mode, when not in use. Also using public transport instead of a private vehicle or car pooling will be beneficial.
 —Komal Chugh

Technology is the only solution
People talk about issues like conserving electricity and water, but hardly do anything. The attitude that ‘nothing-will-make-a-difference’ still prevails among citizens. That’s why initiatives like Batti Bandh don’t get the response they merit. However, this doesn’t dispel the fact that people are becoming conscious about such issues. I think the only solution now lies in the advancement of technology. We can use such technology which enables lights to be switched off on their own when people leave the room. Also, we should have more such initiatives; not only once a year but at least once a month .
—Peshotan Kapadia