Body says no to Chinese suppliers in LED project

In a significant move, the NDMC has decided that no Chinese suppliers will be allowed to participate in its ambitious plan to replace two lakh conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights in the national capital.

After the AAP government’s ban on use of Chinese manja for kite-flying, this is perhaps the first major decision taken by any government agency to ban Chinese products in Delhi.

NDMC commissioner P.K. Gupta said that in the tender document, the corporation has specifically mentioned that Chinese suppliers of LED lights, which are cheaper than Indian and others manufacturers, are not allowed to participate in the bidding process. “We have specifically mentioned that no Chinese LEDs will be install in the NDMC area and the financial bid would be finalised by October 17. Installation of these energy-efficient LEDs will be done at the earliest,” added Mr Gupta. He informed the NDMC’s standing committee about the decision on Wednesday.

The decision comes as a major boost to the ongoing social media campaign appealing Indians to ban or boycott Chinese product during the festive season. A campaign to boycott Chine-se products is underway after the Chinese government blocked the UN Sec-urity Council Committee’s listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist.

In a major environment-friendly and energy conservation move, the NDMC will be changing all of its two lakh conventional park and streetlights to LEDs. The project would cut down its power bill by over 50 per cent. Installation cost would be paid by the money saved on power charges in seven years, which means the civic body would not incurring any direct installation cost.

As per the plan, the NDMC will replace all exis-ting conventional streetlight, high mast lights, semi-high mast lights and fancy lights installed in parks with LED-based energy-efficient streetlights.