CFL-lit Sirsa pockets offer hope

CHANDIGARH: Three localities in Sirsa - Kalanwali, Ellanabad and Rania - have set examples in energy conservation for others to follow. Residents of these localities have replaced incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs. In fact, Kalanwali - with a population of 2,000 people - has the distinction of being the first locality in the country to have 100% CFL lighting.And in the process, the locality saves 40% on its electricity bill every month.
The success story of these three localities has prompted Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam Limited to explore possibilities of replacing incandescent lamps throughout the district with CFLs. However, officials in Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam Ltd have rued that residents in urban areas have not welcomed the idea. Executive engineer DS Malhan told TOI, "Unfortunately, in Sirsa, as in other parts of the country, people in rural areas have willingly replaced incandescent bulbs with CFLs while those in the urban areas have not shown any keenness to do so."
Compared to incandescent bulbs, CFLs have a longer life and are cost-effective. According to Malhan, the price of a CFL is higher than that of a bulb of the same output, but it can save Rs 1,500 worth electricity costs during its lifespan.