Many villages in East Singhbhum district are still without electricity and a huge gap is existing between demand and supply of power. Renewable forms of energy such as solar power are proving to be the most accessible, cost effective and environmentally efficient way to light up rural areas. Tata Steel has, therefore, embarked on a project to provide solar lights in rural areas and make the best use of this renewable form of energy.
It's CSR unit Tata Steel Rural Development Society in collaboration with Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has installed nearly 25,00 solar street lights in the remote and electricity deprived villages over the last three years. This has benefitted and improved quality of life in 1400 villages of East Singhbhum district that inhabit nearly seven lakh people.
Talking about the initiative Biren Bhuta, chief, CSR, Tata Steel said: "In its endeavour to improve quality of life in villages, Tata Steel is running various interventions. With Solar Street lights, we are bringing light to remote dark villages that positively impact the lives of rural populace." Take the example of Nudi Sardar of Potka's Bada Ramgarh in East Singhbhum district is a beneficiary of this initiative. She doesn't know her age, but her neighbours claim it won't be less than 70. Nudi's skin folds, saggy neck, shaky voice and a near-toothless jaw reflect the waning effects of time on her.