Cheap CFLs with buy back option under Bachat CFL scheme

New Delhi, Jun 23 (UNI) The union power ministry plans to shortly launch 'Bachat CFL' scheme proposing to make available Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs at low cost along with a buy back provision for fused lamps thrown in.

While attempting to reduce the energy requirement for lighting in the country, the scheme also aimed to minimise possible environmental hazard through negligent disposal of CFl bulbs, official sources said today.

CFLs consume 20 per cent energy compared to incandescent light bulbs. The country exhausts 18,000 MW of electricity for lighting each day and much of it is wasted due to use of inefficient light bulbs. By replacing ordinary light bulbs with CFLs the nation can 'save' a lot of energy as well as reduce its CO2 emissions by about 55 million tonnes.

In order to check possibility of a health problem caused by release of mercury from discarded CFLs, it is proposed that fused bulbs can be returned to vendors in exchange for a small sum. Such bulbs would then be collected and disposed off in an environmentally safe manner.

The effort would involve the industry for making available cheap CFLs under different schemes including old-for-new exchange.

NGOs are also being roped in for implementing buyback plans and safe disposal techniques.

UNI