A heavy rush of consumers to collect free CFL bulbs under the Atal Bijli Bachat Yojana was seen at distribution centres in the township, as the first phase of free CFL distribution began in Shimla.

Interestingly, an equal rush was seen in the market for buying incandescent (normal) bulbs, as every consumer is required to deposit four bulbs in exchange of a free pack of four CFL bulbs. The first phase of distribution of CFL bulbs started from Chakkar in Shimla. In the last two days, the electricity department has given away 590 CFL bulb packs in exchange for normal bulbs.

Shopkeepers who store normal bulbs have also made good sales during this period. Said Daya Ram, a local resident, “We had switched over to the use of tubelights. I fell short of two bulbs, so I purchased them from the market.” While normal bulbs cost Rs 15 to Rs 20, a CFL bulb costs Rs 96.75.

An official at the Electricity Division in Boileauganj said that in such rush, it is difficult to check whether each normal bulb deposited by consumers are used or not. CFL bulbs will be distributed in Chakkar again on November 29 to those who have not got them till now.