A pilot project to introduce solar lighting and promotion of backyard vegetable cultivation in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) hamlet paves the way for improving the quality of life and health
The Paharia tribes are one of the most backward socio-economic groups in Jharkhand and have been classified as Primitive Tribe Group (PTG). With no access to electricity, they would make do mostly with kerosene lamps or would be forced to live in pitch darkness. The solar power project envisaged electrification of the Pahariya households in an effort to uplift them to better living standards. Buoyed by its success, the project is expected to be replicated on a larger scale now.
Beating the Odds
The first challenge was obviously the geographical location of the project, which was extremely remote and climbing or trekking, is still the only mode of connectivity. Also, distribution of electricity through mini grid system due to the uneven, rough topography of the region was difficult. Therefore, it was decided that distributed generation system was a better alternative.
Eyeing Possible Solutions
Solar energy systems (photovoltaics, solar thermal, solar power) provides significant environmental benefits in comparison to the conventional energy sources, thus contributing, to the sustainable development of human activities. Photovoltaic (PV) is particularly suitable for off-grid electrification. The key advantages include simple installation and zero-maintenance costs, its modularity and not least an often year-round availability of solar energy.
Electricity, health, accessible roads are the basic rights of every individual. Most of the Paharia tribes in Jharkhand are devoid of these. They live in complete darkness, completely cut away from the modern world. The aforesaid villages are situated in the hills, thus they have no roads and other basic necessities like electricity, health, education etc. Since these villages are literally inaccessible, major development work is also a big challenge.
Before Making the Move
Providing electricity to these villages will be a major step towards social development of these villages and tribes (Paharia). After a detailed survey by ABN, it was found that distribution of electricity through micro-grid system is impossible because of the rough, uneven topography of the region. The houses are situated quite far from each other and are on hilltops or built in such a style that access is quite difficult. Thus, if these villages have to be electrified, apart from individual installation using solar energy, no other way is possible.
Taking Stock
Health: Most of the residents have an average life of 45-50 years only. Most of them suffer from lung and eye-related disorders. The main reason for this is because they burn some local wax or kerosene to light up their homes. Electricity will almost nullify this effect, thus increasing longevity.
Livelihood: The major source of livelihood for these people is making bamboo baskets, brooms, handicrafts etc. With their homes lit up properly at night, the villagers can produce more products, which will surely increase their daily income.
Education: Children will be able to study properly at night and will not have to depend of sunlight or strain their eyes in the dim light of lamps. Currently, there is just one graduate in three villages. Electricity will certainly be a boon to students.
First Step Toward Modernisation
This will be the first step to establish a connection between these villagers and the modern world. For generations, these villagers have lived in the same way, completely cut out from the modern world. Electricity will be a pivotal step in the journey of these villagers towards modernisation.
Registering Success, Changing Lives
The facility of solar-powered electricity has introduced a qualitative change in the lives of the people of these four villages. Under this project, construction of five pucca kuans (wells), two new ponds, renovation of one large pond, 18 acres of medbandi (embankment), construction of 1,000 meter irrigation drain, construction of nutrition gardens and promotion of commercial cultivation of vegetables and animal husbandry were provided which in turn helped them to improve their standard of living.