Earlier, the State Government of Maharashtra had expressed fear that suddenly switching off the lights may disrupt the power grid.
Mumbai| The Power Ministry of the government has clarified that people need not fear fluctuations in voltage as they switch off the lights on 5th April at 9 PM to show solidarity in the fight against coronavirus by lighting lamps, candles.
“Some apprehensions have been expressed that this may cause instability in the grid and fluctuation in voltage which may harm the electrical appliances. These apprehensions are misplaced,” the Power Ministry informed in a statement.
“The Indian electricity grid is robust and stable and adequate arrangements and protocols are in place to handle the variation in demand,” it further said.
“The appeal of the Prime Minister is to simply switch off the lights in their homes from 9 pm to 9.09 pm on April 5. There is no call to switch off either street lights or appliances like computers, TVs, fans, refrigerators and ACs in the homes. Only lights should be switched off,” the statement added.
“Lights in hospitals and all other essential services like public utilities, municipal services, offices, police stations, manufacturing facilities will remain on. The call given by the PM is to just switch off lights in residences. All local bodies have been advised to keep streetlights on for public safety,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the country on Friday morning appealing people to switch off the lights and light candles, lamps, mobile flashlights on 5th April at 9 PM to show solidarity and unity in a fight against coronavirus.
PM Modi had added that it will show the world how India remains united in a crisis situation like this.
Earlier, the State Government of Maharashtra had expressed fear that suddenly switching off the lights may disrupt the power grid.
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