Solar lanterns to dispel darkness in tribal hamlets of East Godavari district

Kakinada: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in association with its nodal agency New and Renewable Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) in East Godavari has taken up supply of solar lanterns to tribals in the Left wing extremism affected areas in the district.

In all, 10,000 lanterns were distributed in the first phase under CSR activity in 11 mandals, including the four which were merged in Andhra Pradesh from Telangana, in 2014. These lanterns are expected to cater to the needs of tribals in interior forest and hill areas where the powerlines could not be erected due to technical reasons.

These solar lanterns are being distributed in Rampachodavaram, Addeteegala , Maredumilli, Agency Gangavaram, Y Ramvaraam, Devipatnam , Rajavommangi, Chintur, Yetapaka, VR Purim and Kunavaram mandals in the district. In the second phase, the distribution is likely to be extended to the four sub-plan mandals Rowtulapudi, Sankavaram, Kotananduru and Gokavaram in the district.

East Godavari NREDCAP district manager G Satyanarayana said that the lanterns of 1.5 watt capacity have been sent for distribution to ITDA Rampachodavaram and Chintur. These lanterns can be used for four hours continuously as it gets recharged in daylight. The same can be utilised as and when the need arises or regularly, he said.

When contacted Rampachodavaram ITDA project officer Nishant Kumar said that these lanterns are useful to tribals particularly during the rainy season as fall of trees in these areas can be witnessed due to gales.