Use LED lamps for Durga Puja 2011, the government of West Bengal requests Kolkata Durga puja pandals. The officials stated that using power-efficient light emitting diode (LED) lamps will reduce the power consumption and keep the environment green. The government has become successful in running the lead-free paint campaign.
According to Swati Sengupta for Times of India:
According to an officer of the department, a lot of Puja organizers have taken up the LED issue because they realize they can save a lot of money in the long run. “Chandannagar has done it in a big way for Jagaddhatri pujas and we hope Kolkata will go the same way during Durga Puja in the coming years,” the officer said.
Though costing a little more than ordinary bulbs, LED lamps are power-efficient and environment-friendly, with lesser energy and carbon consumption. “Naturally, we will save a lot on electricity bills if we use LED bulbs,” said Partha Ghosh of near Southern Avenue. Ghosh is also a part of the Forum for Durgotsav, a group of nearly 130 leading puja committees in the city.
“Right now, we are doing calculations and talking to our electrician. Even if we cannot go for 100% LED usage, at least a portion of the pandal can be done using these lamps,” said Ghosh.
With the state government persuading all puja committees to install LED lamps, organizers of Bosepukur Talbagan Puja have decided to light up the road outside the pandal with this eco-friendly light.
“It will be difficult to use LED bulbs in the pandal because these are far more expensive than the normal lights,” said Subhendu Ghosh of Bosepukur Talbagan Puja committee. Not doubting the fact that electricity consumption would be far lesser with LED, saving huge costs, he added, “We have to keep in mind the style and effect planned for the pandal… therefore, availability of LED bulbs is also factor.”