Black out of journalism during PM's 9 PM - 9 Mins appeal

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When the entire India was figuring out how to fight COVID, Prime Minister mobilized mass movement appealing for light off for 9 mins at 9:00 PM on 5th April 2020. Half of junta started debating that this would collapse grid and the PM has endangered lives for sake of publicity. You could hear cacophony from "Lutyen" news channels. Another half was like this was a master stroke by PM in levitating hope and enthusiasm among people during this grim period. Post this eventful night, you could hear euphoria and "told you so" debates from "Bhakt" news channels. But none covered the topic with data and irony was that this was a complete scientific question. 

After 2012 the worst blackout, Indian power utilities took many corrective measures to keep grid security intact: more flexible power plants, reserve capacities, pump storage capacities etc.  

On 5th April, the max instantaneous frequency was 50.259 Hz and min was 49.708 Hz. These were well within the safe range.The generation could be ramped up at 2800MW/Min and down at -4100MW/Min. 

It did have effect on grid. But was the entire event worth the cost? In my opinion YES. Some leaders hike salary when economy is down, some take teams to foreign tours when mood is low. It may put financial pressure but in the end you are dealing with people and you are as good as your peoples' morale.   

But I would have liked more of my colleagues, social mates to talk in terms of facts and not only opinions.  

(All figures are from POSOCO sites.)

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