National Panchayat Awards: Renewable energy sources powering lives of an obscure village in Tripura
An obscure panchayat-village in Tripura with a population of only 1495 emerged as an inspiring example of sustainability and eco-friendliness by significantly reducing dependence of fossil fuel and drawing energy from the renewable sources for several daily requirements.
Thakchara Gram Panchayat under Amarpur of the Gomati District in Tripura recently won the 2nd Prize in Gram Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat category for its efforts in achieving sustainable energy usages.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award in a recent event held in New Delhi.
I Read details of National Panchayat Awards 2024 here I
The village, where women (958) marginally outnumber male population (937), achieved remarkable success in transforming from fossil fuel to solar power and Bio-gas for farming, cooking and illuminating the village roads.
It sounds interesting as out of 497 households in the village, 403 have adopted functional biogas plants. This transition has reduced reliance on traditional cooking fuels like fuels and firewood. Moreover, all 171 streetlights in the village now operate on solar power, providing sustainable illumination while cutting energy costs.
I Related news: How South Manu Bankul VC of Tripura emerges Best Women Friendly Panchayat in the Country I
In the agricultural sector, 512 out of 616 farmers use solar-powered water pumps, which significantly reduce dependence on diesel pumps. The rooftops of 411 residential and public buildings are equipped with solar panels, transforming them into hubs of energy generation.
Both drinking water pumps in the village, as well as the Panchayat office, operate entirely on solar power.
The Panchayat has also facilitated the use of battery-operated rickshaws for nearly 100 families, promoting clean transportation and reducing vehicular emissions.
However, the road to achieving Gram Urja Swaraj targets was not without its challenges, particularly for a remote village.
Financial constraints posed initial difficulties in setting up renewable energy infrastructure. Limited public awareness about environmental sustainability slowed progress, while a shortage of technical expertise created additional bottlenecks.
Resistance from some residents hesitant to adopt new technologies added to the complexity of the transition.
Despite these obstacles, the Panchayat’s approach to change has been innovative and inclusive. A Green Committee was established to oversee the implementation and monitoring of energy projects, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
The Panchayat made it mandatory for all new constructions to obtain Green Certification, fostering sustainable practices from the ground up. Regular awareness campaigns educated villagers on the benefits of renewable energy and environmental sustainability, cultivating grassroots support for the initiatives.
Financial incentives and subsidies further encouraged households to adopt renewable energy solutions.
Looking ahead, Thakchara’s vision for sustainability is even more ambitious. Plans are underway to establish a 10 kV solar power plant that will enable the entire village to operate independently on solar energy, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.
The Panchayat’s achievements have been made possible through a combination of financial even as the financial constraints put a big stumble block, the government step forward. Grants from the Central and State Governments as well as its own-source revenue helped the Panchayat to overcome the financial challenges.
According to Agartala based climate experts, Thakchara Gram Panchayat’s transition to renewable energy offers an inspiring example of how small communities can take giant leaps toward sustainability.
By phasing out fossil fuels, the village not only addresses the pressing challenges of climate change but also ensures energy security for its growing population.
Other villages and towns in Tripura should follow the footsteps of Thakchara Gram Panchayat and adopt eco-friendly energy sources.
(Tripura, Northeast)
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