Mysore set for an eco-friendly Dussehra

Bangalore: Mysore has taken on a festive spirit and the pandals are going eco-friendly this festive season. It's the festival season across India and Mysore is preparing itself for the grand Dussehra celebration. The city - from Mysore Palace to Brindavan Gardens - has been brightly lit up, catching everyone's attention.

But what most do not know know is that, this year, the lamps are much more energy-friendly. PS Vastrad, deputy commissioner, Mysore, said, "We're saving at least 40 per cent power. In 2011, we used 2.5 MW, this year we are using just 1.5 MW."

That's because most of the regular bulbs and sodium vapour lamps have been replaced with energy-friendly CFL and LED lamps. However, this is not where it ends. The officials are hoping to take this initiative a step further in the coming years.

Most of the regular bulbs and sodium vapour lamps have been replaced with energy-friendly CFL and LED lamps.

"You can also generate power by walking on power tiles, since there are high footfalls in the palace, we're studying now, estimating how to replace important lanes to generate power. By this we can generate power so that our power itself can illuminate the palace," Vastrad said.

In an effort to realise that dream, the officials have arranged for a small experiment. With the aid of a private sponsor, they've put up 10 cycles for anyone who can pedal to produce electricity. This experiment has been quite a hit with visitors who have produced enough energy to light up a thousand lamps. Here's hoping the experiment gives more power to the people of Mysore.

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