Khamkasa Kami bids adieu to darkness, Minister opens solar microgrid

Khamkasa Kami, an obscure settlement in the Baramura range on Sunday formally bade adieu to darkness. The 42-odd families living in bamboo thatched huts in the village were devoid of the basics. Clean water, power and sustainable sources of livelihood were yet to be accessible for them. 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency and the PM-Devine scheme, darkness with sunset is no longer a reality of the village. As the lower-watt LED bulbs shone past dusk from one end to another end of the village, joyous celebrations swept through the area. 

Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath who was there to share the joy of villagers was curious to know whether all electrical appliances were working properly or not. He himself checked the bulbs and other appliances. 

According to Nath, this village is among 347 remote settlements where supplying traditional grid power is challenging due to complex geographical terrain and isolation.
“Both the state and central government allocate funds for connecting such villages with electricity. Under the PM-DeVINE scheme funds are earmarked for such projects. With the initiatives of TREDA, we have successfully installed a solar microgrid here in the village exclusively catering to the energy needs of these 42 families,” said Nath.

According to Nath, the total number of beneficiaries under such projects of solar microgrid installation has exceeded 11,000 mark. 

“In as many as 347 villages we have made similar arrangements. The total population of those villages stand at 11,933. This village in particular is located in the South Hadrai area of Baramura Hill range,” he added. 

Apart from this, Nath assured the villagers of support from the end of the Agriculture Department as well. 

“I am the Agriculture Minister as well. I have heard the grievances and suggestions of the villagers. I will tell the Agriculture Department officials to visit the village and see if saplings of mango, jackfruit and other fruits could be given to the villagers here,” said Nath. 

Officials said under the scheme, a solar powered water pump has also been installed to ensure that the villagers have access to clean drinking water. Street lights have also been installed.