Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut on Friday said that switching off the lights together can cause bigger problems in a time of lockdown.
Mumbai| After PM Modi made the appeal to switch off the lights and light lamps and candles on Sunday, Maharashtra Energy Minister Nitin Raut on Friday said that switching off the lights together can cause bigger problems in a time of lockdown.
Nitin Raut said, “If all lights are switched off at once it might lead to failure of the grid. All our emergency services will fail and it might take a week’s time to restore the power.”
He further added, “Putting off the lights together at the same time can lead to a huge difference in demand and supply. Due to the lockdown, the demand has already decreased from 23,000 megawatt to 13,000 megawatt as factory units are not operating, and the electricity consumption is only recorded from homes and essential services.”
“Therefore, I would appeal to the public to light candles and lamps but without switching off lights. In the fight against coronavirus pandemic, electricity is an important tool,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country on Friday at 9 PM. In an appeal to show solidarity and unity in the fight against the coronavirus, PM Modi asked the people to hold lamps, candles and mobile flashlights in their balconies. He also asked to switch off the lights for 9 minutes. He said the act will show the world the unity and resolve of Indians amid the crisis situation.
He also urged people to maintain social distancing by following the instructions issued by governments and authorities. He said that people should also be grateful to doctors, nurses, paramedics and health workers for the job they are doing in a crisis situation.
India is under a 21-day lockdown in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.
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