Karnataka’s Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has issued directions to staff working in all government offices, including Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha, to use water and electricity judiciously and prevent wastage, in the backdrop of a lean monsoon adversely affecting the State.

The guidelines include use of natural light as much as possible by keeping office windows open and limiting the usage of electric fans and lights. Security guards have been instructed to ensure that electrical devices are turned off after 6 p.m.

Ministers and officials must switch off all electrical switches when they are not in the room and after office hours. Personal secretaries and security personnel must ensure this before locking the offices, the order said.

Directions have also been issued to maintain the AC temperature in offices between 24 and 26 degree Celsius. 

Other instructions include replacement of energy-intensive lights with LED lights, installation of motion sensor lights in corridors, restrooms and halls, and installation of water aerators to reduce water consumption.

The directions were issued by Ms. Rajneesh after noticing that electric lights, fans, computers and airconditioners are not being turned off even after office hours.

Published - July 16, 2026 10:00 pm IST