Earth Hour 2026: Why will lights go off in Hyderabad from 8:30 to 9:30 PM on Mar 28?
GHMC Commissioner R. V. Karnan appealed to residents, commercial establishments, and industries to voluntarily switch off all non-essential lights tonight between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
By - Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: On March 28, millions of people across the globe will unite for one of the world's largest environmental movements, Earth Hour. For 60 minutes, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time, individuals, businesses, and iconic landmarks will plunge into darkness to show their support for the planet.
In line with the global movement, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has officially called upon the citizens of Hyderabad to participate in Earth Hour 2026.
What is Earth Hour?
Started by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, Earth Hour began as a symbolic 'lights out' event to raise awareness about climate change. Today, it has grown into a massive global movement spanning more than 190 countries and territories.
The year 2026 marks a historic milestone, the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour. While the act of switching off lights is symbolic, the movement aims to spark conversations about nature loss, global warming, and the urgent need for sustainable living. It is a reminder that small, collective actions can lead to significant environmental change.
Why should you switch off?
While saving one hour of electricity in a single household might seem negligible, the cumulative impact of millions doing so sends a powerful message to global leaders and corporations. It signifies a public demand for climate-resilient policies and highlights our personal responsibility toward biodiversity conservation.
Beyond the 60 minutes, Earth Hour encourages people to 'Go Beyond the Hour' by adopting eco-friendly habits like reducing waste, conserving water, and choosing renewable energy.
Hyderabad to switch off for an hour: GHMC issues appeal
GHMC Commissioner R. V. Karnan appealed to residents, commercial establishments, and industries to voluntarily switch off all non-essential lights tonight between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
Focus on ‘Liveability’ and green growth
“Hyderabad is at a critical juncture where urban growth must go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Through initiatives in urban biodiversity and climate-resilient planning, GHMC is committed to building a greener city,” said Commissioner Karnan. He noted that "Liveability" remains the core theme for the development of the CURE (City Urban Region Expansion) region.
Call for RWAs
The civic body has urged Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), youth groups, and civil society organizations to lead the initiative in their neighborhoods. Iconic public buildings and municipal offices across the city are expected to participate by dimming their lights.
As the clock strikes 8:30 PM tonight, Hyderabadis are encouraged to step away from their screens, switch off their switches, and spend an hour for the Earth.
