Over a dozen naxal-hit villages in MP powered by solar energy

Bhopal: A total of 13 naxal-affected villages in Madhya Pradesh have been electrified with solar power by the Madhya Pradesh Energy Development Corporation which has installed 264 KV capacity plants with an investment of Rs 12.55 crore there. Every household in these villages has been given two points and a 60 watt power point of alternative power. Arrangements are also being made to install alternative energy-run flour mills, community halls and solar street lights in these villages. The scheme has benefited 1,345 families in these 13 villages.

Three of these naxal-affected villages are in Umaria and Sidhi districts each and seven in Shahdol district. Meanwhile, alternative energy plants are also being installed in ten more naxal-affected villages, including five each in Sidhi and Singrauli districts. In addition, work is also progressing rapidly to electrify 10 more naxal-affected villages with alternative energy.

The state government has sent to Delhi proposals to electrify 58 villages in six districts of the state with alternative energy. These include 28 villages of Alirajpur district, 12 of Katni, 3 of Jabalpur, 9 of Mandla, 5 of Barwani and one village in Chhindwara district. Electrification of these villages will benefit about 5,900 families. Under this scheme, Centre gives 90 per cent grant and state government 10 per cent.