Solar energy transforms remote villages in Gumla dist
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This became possible after a massive transformation was undertaken in the solar energy sector of the district by the administration in the last two years.
These solar-powered villages are inhabited by PVTGs, and the tough, undulating topography made the traditional electricity connection next to impossible. Given the situation, the district administration took up a special initiative for solar power, and it has become a boon for these tribal communities.
Talking to TOI on Tuesday, Gumla district planning officer Raman Kumar said, "Over 1,848 solar street lights have been installed in PVTG and other villages, while 153 high-mast solar lights have been installed at important public places across the district."
Three main rural locations — Manjirapath in Bishunpur block, Jalhan-Sarango in Ghaghra block, and Naktijharia-Kobja in Raidihi block — now have mini solar power grids of 20 KWP, 10 KWP and 25 KWP, respectively, Kumar said.
Moreover, nine villages of the district have been selected as solar model villages for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna of the Centre's new and renewable energy ministry. Among these villages are Bargaon, Nagar, and Sisai in Sisai block, Bharno in Bharno block, Fasia and Pugu in the sadar block, Chainpur in Chainpur block, and Navagarh in Raidih block.
"These nine villages have 12,981 households and a total population of 62,267 people," Kumar said, adding that a time frame has been set to implement the scheme and a committee chaired by the DC would oversee the execution of the Centre's ambitious scheme.
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The initiative for solar power started during the tenure of former Gumla DC Karn Satyarthi, and the projects were executed by the Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Authority.
Reacting to the initiative, Jyoti Behar Devi of Majhgaon village said, "The hilly regions have now electricity from solar lights for the first time."
Kamla Kacchap of PVTG-inhabited Narma panchayat in Bishunpur block also told TOI, "Our panchayat now has solar street light at the thoroughfares. We feel safe while moving around at night, and sometimes villagers hold meetings under the solar light. Our panchayat has nine revenue villages and 22 hamlets, all located in Netarhat Plateau's tough terrain."
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