From correspondents in Tamil Nadu, India, 03:30 AM IST

Students from nearly 200 city schools have volunteered to switch off the lights in their homes at 8 p.m. Friday to spread awareness about energy saving measures to combat climate change.

The lights would be switched off for about eight minutes.

'The idea is to help people become aware of climate change and the environment,' said M. B. Nirmal, founder of Exnora International, the Ngo steering the initiative.

'Children will be switching off the lights in their homes, drawing adult attention to energy saving,' he added.

A website to support the initiative has also been set up, www.88888.co.in

(Staff Writer, © IANS)