Monday, May 20, 2013: Tata Power, India’s largest integrated Power Company, has continuously endeavoured to improve the quality of life of its communities, in and around its operations. In another such initiative, Tata Power in partnership with Tata Power Community Development Trust and Bosch provided solar power to Thokarvadi and Kadak Rai villages in Maval Taluka of Pune district.
Nearly 100 households of the Pardhi Tribe in Maharashtra received electrification for the first time in over five decades. With no visible development in the area and no households with electricity, Tata Power identified these villages of Maval Taluka to install state of the art solar home lights and street lights. These solar lights were successfully installed and unveiled on 26th April, 2013.
The initiative was applauded by the residents and Tata Power and Bosch officials were welcomed with traditional fervour. The total financial expenditure on solar electrification was Rs 24 lakhs and was jointly funded by Tata Power and Bosch with logistics support from Women members of the community. Thus, enabling effortless execution of the project at ground level. The project has contributed immensely in building and strengthening women’s leadership at local level.
As part of its rural electrification agenda, Tata Power is doing similar solar electrification efforts nationally at its various plant sites in Mundra (Gujarat); Maithon & Tiruldih (Jharkhand); Maval, Mulshi, Ahmednagar & Dherand (Maharashtra); Naraj Marthapur (Orissa) and Haldia (West Bengal) and aims to cover 10000 households across the country by FY 14.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Power said, “We are delighted to have made a difference to the quality of lives of our communities in this area. The successful installation of the solar home lights and street lights reiterates our commitment to the focus on renewable energy resources. Such initiatives which are owned by women will not only go a long way in women’s empowerment but will also help in charting development road map in the concerned area”.
The audience included Sarpanch and ex-Sarpanch of Gram Panchayats of the area. The speakers narrated their woes highlighting the challenges faced by the elders in the community, pregnant women, and children due to poor infrastructure of these villages. They commended both the companies for undertaking rural electrification.
