Vizagites turned off lights for an hour as the clock struck 8.30 p.m. on Saturday to observe Earth Hour, a global climate awareness initiative.
The Earth Hour was a global initiative by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) that aimed to send out the message that people are concerned about climate change and that policy makers should make it their foremost priority. The Earth Hour event takes place a week after the vernal equinox when night and day are of the same duration in both hemispheres.
India along with 92 other countries observed “lights out” between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. on Saturday. Many government buildings, private banks and hotels turn off lights during this time.
The Gateway Hotel turned off the lights on the hotel lobby and restaurant lights were dimmed. Candles were lit all along the entrance of hotel lobby. Street lights were turned off at important junctions of the city.
Awareness rally
An awareness rally was taken out collectively by various organisations on the beach road to create awareness. People voluntarily turned off their lights and many came down to the beach to enjoy the evening and support the cause. Some also organised candlelight get-togethers to show their commitment to save power and have fun at the same time.
