Keonjhar: Several remote tribal pockets in mineral-rich Keonjhar district are still bereft of electricity due to ineffective implementation of rural electrification drives by both the state and central governments.
In a few pockets, the government has put in place solar panels to generate electricity, but they are unreliable resulting in the tribals silently suffering their ordeal.
Locals say that due to costly repair and lack of proper maintenance, many solar panels provided to tribal families lie unused in Mallipasi, Sarmundei, Dalki, Pitanau, Sajanapa under Hadgada biosphere area.
Besides, many Juanga hamlets up in hilly areas under Bansapal and Harichandanpur blocks are no different.
As for the solar project, Trilochan Swain, a local technician and a solar panel user, said when solar panels were set up in his village, people were happy over the fact that their children can study under lights and their fear of wild animals and reptiles subsided. The lights added lustre to various festivals and wedding occasions in the remote areas, Swain said, adding that people could also venture out at night around their houses, something which they were previously unable to do in the dark.
However, after a few months, the solar panels gradually became defunct and are yet to be repaired. Swain said things are now back to square one, and that villagers were now trying to get used to the dark.
Considering the deplorable condition, the solar light project implemented by Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has come a cropper in the district. According to sources, OREDA provided solar lighting facility to 22 villages in 2006-07; 10 in 2009-10 and 60 in 2011-12. OREDA has assured to repair and maintain the panels free of cost for five years, but nothing has been done as yet, said many beneficiaries.
Village Energy Committees were formed to look after the solar panel. For lack of funds, solar panels remain unrepaired.
Locals said provision of electricity from solar power plants will be a practical idea only if they work properly on a long term basis. PNN