HP to launch 'Bijli Bachat' scheme on Aug 15

Shimla, Aug 4 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government has come up with a unique scheme, 'Atal Bijli Bachat Yojna' which aims to conserve energy through the use of eco-friendly light equipment like Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL).

The scheme named after former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, is a token of love and affection that he showered upon the state and its people during his tenure. In this context the special industrial package given by Mr Vajpayee in his last tenure saw a large number of industrial houses investing in the hill state.

This scheme is being launched throughout the state from August 15. Under this scheme 16 lakh domestic consumers in the state would be provided 4 lamps each free-of-cost to replace the traditional tubes. The scheme is being implemented through the State Electricity Board.

Initial funding to the tune of Rs 70 crore has been made to the Board. Presently, most of the households are using incandescent lamps which are very cheap, costing Rs 10 to 15 per bulb but consume more electrical energy.

The CFLs are energy efficient and provide better quality of light than the incandescent lamps. The energy conservation not only saves natural resources but shall also lessen the effect of global warming due to emission of carbon dioxide.

The life of CFLs is about 6000 hours whereas incandescent lamps work for 1000 to 3000 hours.

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