Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 28 2010:
For the first time, six remote villages under Thanlon sub-division of Churachandpur district have been provided electricity through harnessing of solar energy, thanks to the Remote Village Electrification Programme of Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA).
Under the programme being sponsored by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, MANIREDA provided solar home lighting and street lighting systems to the six remote villages during a function yesterday at Thanlon sub-divisional headquarters.
The six beneficiary villages are J Phaikholum, New Muntha, Nathialbok, Tanguom, T Phaikholum and Pangel.
These villages are located more than 200 kms away from Imphal.
Local MLA V Hangkhalian, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district Jacintha Lazarus, Director of MANIREDA L Manglem were among other dignitaries who were present during the distribution of solar lighting apparatus to the villages.
In all 229 Solar Home Lighting systems and 21 Street Lighting sets have been provided to these six villages under the Programme which is being implemented jointly by the respective Village Energy Committees and MANIREDA.
Informing that they use to spend huge amount for lighting the houses with the help of kerosene which they bought at the rate of Rs 35 a litre, the villagers expressed happiness that they would be able to cover this problem and their children would now be able to study under lighted bulbs.
Speaking at the occasion of distributing the lighting apparatus, MLA Hangkhalian pointed out that electrification of these six villagers has been one of the most cherished dreams of the poor villagers.
Deputy Commissioner Jacintha Lazarus observed that the remote villages of Churachandpur bordering with Mizoram have been literally under dark all these years.
With these lighting apparatus, darkness would be dispelled from these villages.
Director of MANIREDA L Manglem noted that lighting systems provided to other remote villages have not been utilised properly and appealed to the villagers of the six newly electrified villages to make use of the benefit judiciously.
It may be noted here that MANIREDA has covered so far 200 villages under its various electrification projects like solar, wind, hydro, biomass and hybrid projects.