NEW DELHI: Earth Hour is back. At 8.30pm on Saturday, hundreds of Delhiites will join people across the planet in switching off lights to pledge their support for the fight against climate change. A candlelight march will mark the event in Delhi where NCC cadets will form 60+, the symbol for Earth Hour, in front of Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
The capital will witness several Earth Hour vigils, primarily in colonies where children will lead the symbolic fight to save the planet. "We have reached out to schools and colleges, government departments and private organizations to take part in the event. India Gate, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb, the three monuments lit at night, will also see lights turned off for an hour starting at 8.30pm. Some government buildings and several hotels and banks will join in as well," said a government official.
Organised by WWF, the fourth edition Earth Hour will see cities compete for the title of the Earth Hour 2012 Champion City. The award will be given on the basis of people participation and electricity saved during the one hour of lights off. While Sachin Tendulkar is this year's national ambassador, most major cities have their own local heroes to lead their campaigns. Delhi will be represented by musicians Amaan and Ayaan Ali.
Ravi Singh, secretary general, WWF-India, said: "Last year, Earth Hour encouraged individuals to adopt environment-friendly practices in everyday life that would benefit the planet. In taking that message forward, Earth Hour 2012 aims at encouraging entire cities to collectively shift towards sustainable development by undertaking better land, water and energy management, which will reduce the growing environmental impact of our urban lifestyles."
