Raipur: At least 140 villages and hamlets in Chhattisgarh that have been suffering without electricity since Independence may finally see illumination powered by solar energy, thanks to the efforts of CREDA.

Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), which is working under Remote Village Electrification Program, has powered around 1700 villages/hamlets since 2003 and very soon it will complete the electrification of 140 more villages.

All the 140 villages lie in the Naxal-hit districts of Sukma, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Sarguja, and Dantewada.

Solar energy is being used to power those villages and hamlets that are located in remote areas, especially in the vicinity of tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, and hence they are not connected to the national grid.

CREDA has involved local people in the maintenance of the solar set ups and has appointed a local person as the operator. Additionally, a technician has been hired for the cluster of 10-15 villages to fix any problems that arise during the operation.

(Photo: social.yourstory.com)