New Delhi: The Indian Army has electrified the remote border village of Simari near Tithwal in Kashmir’s Karnah Valley for the first time using solar power.
Under Operation Sadbhavana, the comprehensive electrification initiative encompasses 53 homes, organised into four solar micro-grid clusters. Each cluster is equipped with advanced solar panels, efficient inverters, durable batteries, LED lighting, power sockets, and protective limiters, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for the villagers.
The border village, designated as India’s polling booth number one, has also been equipped with additional LPG connections under the initiative.
The Indian Army has dedicated the initiative to Colonel Santosh Mahadik, a Shaurya Chakra recipient who was killed in an anti-terror operation in north Kashmir in 2015. Colonel Mahadik’s mother will inaugurate the solar electricity system on 14 April.
The Army’s XV Corps, also known as the Chinar Corps, and Pune-based Aseem Foundation together undertook the development of the village, with the former taking care of the planning and logistics while the NGO handling the design, installation, and training for sustainability.
As part of its ‘nation building’ efforts, the Army regularly undertakes development projects in border regions along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC). It includes the construction of solar power and hydrogen energy projects, and equipping of LPG in several villages. Currently, 54 solar power projects are said to be in progress.
Giving an example of other developments, an Army officer said that eight LPG agencies were established in Tangste, Loma, Chowkibal, Manasbal, Kundroo, Dharmund, Dawar, and Awantipora. This, the officer explained, amounted to annual savings of Rs 40 crore and a reduction in kerosene dependency of about 4,000 KL annually.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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