The government has directed deputy commissioners (DCs) in all 64 districts to ensure that cultural programmes, trade fairs, and billboard lighting are shut down by 7:00pm, in a stricter move to save electricity and fuel.

The Cabinet Division issued the instruction to divisional commissioners and DCs yesterday.

Earlier, the government reduced office hours by one hour and ordered shops and shopping malls to close by 7:00pm. Through these measures, it aims to save 3,100MW of electricity daily.

Following last week’s cabinet meeting, authorities moved to enforce the closing time for shops, initially set at 6:00pm and later revised to 7:00pm. The latest directive extends the restrictions to cultural events and billboards.

The Cabinet Division said the rule will apply to both ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs, and cultural programmes across the country.