At least 23 interior tribal villages in poverty-hit Dhamtari district are now enjoying the benefit of solar power, thanks to the initiative taken by the local administration.
located inside the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, forest department had denied permission to carry out any electrification work in these villages. The people were deprived of basic facilities including electricity.In an attempt to help the residents, the district administration had requested Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) to set up a solar power project.
CREDA has started supplying electrify to the villagers by setting up solar panels in 38 different places of the villages. The villages which were reeling under darkness two years ago are lighted with the help of solar lamps.CREDA executive officer and regional officer Amitabh Sharma said the forested region has been reserved under Sitanadi wildlife sanctuary. The electrification was not allowed in the region to protect the natural environment and wildlife.
The villages which are now taking the benefit of solar energy include Amabahar, Amjhar, Chameda, Dodajharia, Ekabari, Pharasgaon, Gadulbahara, Gatabahara, Jogibirdo, Joratarai, Karhi, Karka, Khallari, lilanj, Madagiri, Masulkhoi, Muhkot, Risgaon, Sallebhat, Sandbahra, Satiyara, Tumbahra and Ujaraban.
He said the installation and other work of solar power project were carried out in the villages between 2004-2013 and solar power is being generated and managed well.Besides, solar energy is being supplied to 34 ashram hostels since 2008-09. Solar light is helping the students to read at night without any trouble, he added.