Punjab bans AC in offices to save power for farmers

With power demand skyrocketing in peak summer, Punjab has come up with an innovative way to save power in the state so that farmers don't suffer.

In an attempt to save power for farmers the government has banned air conditioning in government offices.

The staff of the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA), which has a modern and a huge building and is designed for central air conditioning, is working without an air conditioner.

With temperature touching 44 degrees Centigrade in Mohali and no air conditioning, things inside the building are not normal. Employees say this is simply cruel.

"There is direct sunlight on the building and secondly we have to deal with people at large. At times it gets very crowded making life very difficult. All the windows are closed and when the air conditioner isn't working it surely becomes a big problem," said Mohinder Pal Singh, an employee at the Punjab Urban Development Authority.

The officers believe its would affect the efficiency and output.

"It is very difficult to work like this. Employees feel very uncomfortable. In this kind of temperature it's difficult to deal with public," said Surinder Dhundia, Joint Director, PUDA.

The government, meanwhile, says no air conditioners will be used till June 30.

The daily demand in Punjab is a 1960 lakh units. Of this, around 1400 lakh units are available and the situation is worsening every day. The rains are now the only saviour.