In all probability, Tripura has become on Saturday (November 5) the first state in India to have the first modified Bio-village Solar Hamlet.
Deputy Chief Minister of the State, Jishnu Dev Varma who also holds the Power department portfolio inaugurated the Bio-village Solar Hamlet at Kharansingh Para Chaimarua of Killa under Gomati District today. Minister of People’s Welfare Department Ram Pada Jamatia and other guests were also present on this occasion.
The project was set up considering that conservation and enhancement of biological resources along with uninterrupted energy and power are essential for rural ecosystems to improve livelihoods and sustainable development.
The Department of Biotechnology of the State Government and Tripura renewable energy Development Agency under the department of power jointly implemented the Bio Village Solar Hamlet project at a cost of Rs 80 lakh in rural area – Kharansingh Para using the latest environment friendly biotechnology and solar energy technology.
“This is first of its kind where organic farming, livestock, fishery, mushroom cultivation etc are being done under guidance of directorate of Bio Tech. They have also distributed LED Lights and power efficient fans to all the households. Today gave cash Rs. 3000/- to all 61 families of the village.
TREDA ( Tripura Renewable Energy Dev Agency) under power Dept has set up solar water purification system for safe drinking water, solar street lights, bio gas plants , solar micro grid for free power supply to the beneficiaries, solar irrigation pumps for multiple cropping so that marginal farmers double their income. Today TREDA also distributed bio mass cook stoves to all families”, Dev Varma said.
The Deputy Chief Minister, while speaking to the media, said solar pumps have been installed for irrigation as the farmers are producing double crop instead of single crop to double their incomes. All total 61 families of this village are enjoying uninterrupted power supply through solar micro grid and now they are using lights, TVs, mobiles, internet etc.
Along with this the villages are improving themselves financially and educationally by doing weaving and handicraft works and students can continue their studies at night. The project has changed the ‘night life’ of village – monotonous and idle life transformed into entertaining and active nights, commented a villager.
Solar street lights have been installed in Chhaimarua market. Farmers and other shopkeepers are able to sell their vegetables and miscellaneous products till night which is improving the rural economy.