Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh of Karnataka has issued comprehensive guidelines for all government offices to conserve electricity and water due to an unusually weak monsoon. The measures emphasize natural lighting, LED upgrades, AC temperature limits, and strict shutdown protocols.
मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)
- Deficit monsoon triggers new water‑and‑energy conservation policies
- Mandated use of natural light, LED fixtures, motion‑sensor lights and AC temperature range
- Security staff required to switch off all electrical devices after 6 p.m.
Shalini Rajneesh, Karnataka’s Chief Secretary, has directed every government office—including the iconic Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha—to use power and water judiciously and eliminate waste. The order comes as the state grapples with a monsoon that is markedly below average, straining both water reservoirs and the power grid.
Background: A Deficit Monsoon
According to the 2026 seasonal outlook, Karnataka received roughly 30 % less rainfall than the long‑term average. Reservoir levels are at historic lows, and the shortfall is already affecting irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydro‑electric generation. The acute scarcity has forced the state administration to adopt a dual‑conservation approach—targeting both water and electricity consumption.
Key Directives
The circular outlines four core pillars: (1) Maximize natural light by keeping windows open and limiting artificial lighting during daylight hours; (2) Power‑management protocol—security personnel must ensure all electrical devices are turned off after 6 p.m., and ministers or staff must switch off lights and fans when leaving a room; (3) Air‑conditioner temperature range—set between 24 °C and 26 °C to curb excessive cooling; and (4) Energy‑efficient hardware—replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, install motion‑sensor lighting in corridors, restrooms and halls, and fit water‑aerators to reduce per‑use water consumption.
Historical Context
Karnataka previously introduced similar energy‑saving measures in 2019, but that year’s monsoon was near normal, limiting the impact of the policies. This time, the directives are calibrated to address a simultaneous water‑and‑energy deficit, making them more stringent and far‑reaching. The move also aligns with the state’s broader climate‑resilience goals set out in the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
Implications and Forward Outlook
Analysts project that strict adherence could slash government utility bills by up to 15 % annually, while also reducing water consumption by an estimated 10 %. If replicated by private enterprises, the cumulative effect could significantly lower Karnataka’s carbon footprint and bolster its ability to weather future climate variability. The directive positions Karnataka as a potential benchmark for other Indian states confronting similar monsoon challenges.
