Bhubaneswar: Odisha government, along with a discom, is using ‘nukkad nataks’ (street plays) to create awareness among people on rooftop solar power generation, an official said Saturday.
The state government, along with TP Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), this week launched the drive in villages and remote tribal areas in eight districts on the benefits, eligibility and adoption process of ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’.
“The initiative is designed around the strength of street theatre as a powerful last-mile communication medium. Dedicated and trained artistes are travelling and performing specially developed plays in Odia and local dialects, using familiar characters, situations, humour, music and dialogue to explain the benefits of rooftop solar in a simple and relatable manner,” the official said.
The campaign is underway in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh and Ganjam districts, where 250 ‘nukkad nataks’ are being held.
The performances are being held during evening hours, when rural communities are more likely to gather after their daily work. The teams mobilise people at village-level locations before the performance, creating an opportunity for the audience not only to watch the play but also interact with the campaign team, he said.
IEC (Information, Education and Communication) materials are also distributed, enabling interested consumers to understand the next steps.
TPSODL has earlier extensively used street plays for public safety, animal safety, prevention of unauthorised hooking, electrical safety, energy conservation and other community-awareness initiatives.
PTI