Solar lanterns and lights based on solar energy would illuminate route of world famous Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, scheduled for August this year. Taking steps for it, tourism department has shouldered the responsibility to Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Authority (UREDA) for making arrangements of solar lamps and lights.
Around 3,000 solar lanterns and 2,000 street lights based on solar energy would be fixed on 60 km long hilly stretch of Yatra route. UREDA is likely to start setting up the lights by end of this month. A team of officials has been deployed to carry out survey of the route in the hilly area and mark the points where the lights could be set up. The team would also demarcate the locations of route could be repaired.
While setting up of some of the lights would be permanent in nature, others would be fixed temporarily. The department has already sanctioned around Rs 1 crore for the purpose with instructions to the officials to start work of fixing street lights soon as possible. If required, more funds would be released in this head. Sub-divisional magistrate rank
officer has been deployed to review the ongoing work on everyday basis.
Additional secretary tourism Amit Negi, who is monitoring the preparations, said, “Solar lanterns and solar energy based street lights would be set up on the Yatra route in hilly terrains. Around Rs 1 crore has already been released for the purpose. UREDA has been instructed to start making arrangements of solar energy based street lights and lanterns.”
Negi also directed the district magistrates of the districts concerned to monitor the preparations and ensure that the preparation be completed on time. Negi said that the officials have been clearly directed to carry out all developments related to the Yatra on priority basis. He said that volunteers would also be roped in ensuring arraignments along with government machinery.