IANS

Chandigarh, Jun 29: After Punjab last week banned use of air-conditioners in government offices, the Haryana government too Sunday imposed a similar ban across the state to tide over the power crisis the heat wave conditions have caused in the region.

"With a view to economise the use of power, the Haryana government has decided to ban the use of air conditioners in its offices and that of boards and corporations, universities and local bodies situated in the state with immediate effect," an official spokesman said here Sunday.

The ban will be effective from Monday and would be reviewed after monsoon arrives over the region and the demand for electricity eases out, the spokesman said.

Punjab banned use of ACs in all government offices last Monday.

The Punjab government also announced changes in office timings to 7.30 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. from Monday and ordered that all shops, malls and commercial establishments be closed by 7.30 p.m. to help ease the power demand situation.