Solar energy revolution in Mizoram

Despite limitation of resources, if Mizoram can become one of the topmost literate states in the country, it can also lead the nation in generating solar energy.

By D HenpelinAizwal, Oct 6 : Despite limitation of resources, if Mizoram can become one of the topmost literate states in the country, it can also lead the nation in generating solar energy.

The Central and State governments in collaboration with Zoram electricity development agency (ZEDA) have brought light to many remote villages in the State through solar energy.

ZEDA has brought a revolution in Mizoram by establishing many power plants fully operated on solar energy.

What state electricity department could not do for the last many decades, the ZEDA has done in the span of five years and that also in a state, which is considered to be radiation deficient.

"It is not an easy job to do. But we have to do it to improve the livelihood of the villagers. So, we did it. Even right now we are continuing doing it," said Benjamin L. Tlumtea, ZEDA, project officer.

Most parts of the country receive 4-7 kilowatt-hour of solar radiation per square meter per day with 250-300 sunny days in a year. But the North East falls shot of that.

According to 2001 state census, 90 villages and 14 hamlets were not electrified.

But the ZEDA through its concerted effort has provided power to most of the villages. It has provide 5931 lanterns, 3386 home lighting systems and 431 street lightings have been installed so far.

Most of the villages covered are 200 to 300 km away from the State capital. "Solar lamps are very useful to us. Earlier, we used kerosene oil to light lamp but now with the solar lantern, it will make our task easier. And our children could also study under bright light at night, said R. Chhunghnemi, a villager.

ZEDA is not only promoting the use of solar energy but is also providing the villagers different kinds of equipments required to generate the solar energy, like solar lamp and solar heater.

Moreover, supporting the work of ZEDA and the State Government, many shops have come up, providing both-solar equipments as well as their services too.

Villagers appreciate the effort of the solar providers and walk several miles to receive the equipments.

Lalfakmawia, a solar equipment and service provider said, "Mizoram had a very good solar radiation. However, the prices of solar tapping equipments are bit expensive, so all the people could not afford it. The government policy of giving solar equipment in a less subsidized rate is quite beneficial in providing light to several non-electrified villages. I wish if more policy of such kind is implemented by the government, then in future, solar energy could be utilized by all."

Mizoram is showing the way to other North Eastern states.

In 1986 the state embraced peace, and its achievement since then in the field of education, literacy, promotion of bamboo industries and the solar energy has been great.

ANI