Odisha launches ‘nukkad natak’ drive to boost rooftop solar adoption
The Odisha government, in partnership with power distribution company TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), has launched a street theatre campaign to promote rooftop solar power in rural and tribal areas of the state.
The awareness drive, which began this week, is being conducted across eight districts to educate residents about the benefits, eligibility criteria and application process under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
Trained artistes are travelling to villages and remote areas and performing specially designed plays in Odia and local dialects. The performances use everyday situations, humour, music and familiar characters to explain rooftop solar in a simple and accessible manner.
The campaign covers Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh and Ganjam districts, with around 250 street plays planned as part of the initiative.
The performances are being organised mainly during the evening, when residents are more likely to gather after completing their daily work. Campaign teams also interact with audiences after the performances and distribute information, education and communication material to help interested consumers understand the process of adopting rooftop solar.
TPSODL CEO Amit Kumar Garg said street theatre could help take information about clean energy to communities that may be difficult to reach through conventional awareness campaigns.
TPSODL has previously used street plays to spread awareness about electrical and animal safety, unauthorised power connections, energy conservation and other public safety issues. The latest campaign aims to ensure that residents in remote and tribal regions are also included in Odisha’s transition towards renewable energy.
with inputs from PTI
