The Times of India 08.09.2009
Rippin Buildings to go dark for lights out' campaign
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation will lead the city in switching off lights in several of its buildings for nine minutes at 9 pm on the ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year of this millenium, to show its solidarity in fighting global warming. At least 2,000 buildings, including the Ripon Buildings, will turn out the lights on September 9, according to Mayor M Subramanian.
Talking to mediapersons, Subramanain said switching off lights was meant to create awareness among the general public on the significance of environmental issues. "As many as 99 prominent personalities from various fields, including politics, films and the media, will participate in an event at the Ripon Buildings on that day. Everyone will speak on the consequences and ways to mitigate global warming," he added. The corporation, in association with Exnora International, a non-government organisation will conduct the programme.
Lights will be turned out in all corporation-owned buildings, including 313 schools, parks and playgrounds, zonal and ward offices.
Exnora International founder M B Nirmal said arrangements had been made in seven municipalities, 11 town panchayats and eight village panchayats to switch off lights at 9pm. Following the success of last year's 88888 "lights out" campaign, Exnora wanted to spearhead the movement further. Mayor Subramanian will also inaugurate the programme for next year 101010101010 lights out campaign on September 9, he added.
