Punjab Govt. curbs AC usage to save electricity

Chandigarh, June 27 (ANI): In a bid to conserve electricity, the Punjab Government has asked all the government-run offices to do without air conditioners for the time being.

The initiative has been taken to provide eight hours of uninterrupted power supply to the farmers during the paddy-sowing season.

"We have learnt about it from the item in various newspapers. We are not using any air conditioners and we have issued a circular to all concerned, the whole of staff of DC (Deputy Commissioner) office that they should be careful with the use of electricity," said P. S. Mand, deputy commissioner, Mohali.

However, some employees said it was difficult to carry on without air conditioners because computers require constant cooling.

"It has definitely impacted us as the whole system is computerised and without air conditioners computers cannot work," said Jagnandan Singh, a computer operator.

The electricity situation has become grimmer with Bhakra Nangal Dam deciding to restrict the outflow of water due to the delayed monsoon.

According to the National Meteorological Department, the total rainfall from the crucial June-September monsoon would be only 93 percent of the long-term average, coming in below normal for the first time in four years.

Four of 36 national zones were still to receive any monsoon rain. Rains were normal in two areas and excess in three during the week, while 27 zones recorded deficit to scanty rains.

The monsoon hit the southern coast on May 23, ahead of the normal date of June 1, but has since progressed weakly. (ANI)