For the interiors of Melghat cut off from the mainstream, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has planned to leverage renewable energy to light home of tribals through solar energy. For the same, MEDA’s Amravati Division has ordered 4000 white lights to dispel darkness not only from the tribals’ home but also from their lives. The region of Dharni and Chikhaldara tehsils in the Amravati District have been identified for the Project White Light. As per the plan chalked out by MEDA, about 22 villages scattered in the Melghat region of Amravati District would be electrified within a period of one year as the project is getting rolled out. Even after 78 years of Independence, the tribals have been putting up with darkness.

 

With meager resources at their disposal, they have been putting up with the lifestyle that has remain unchanged for centuries. Since the habitation is scattered and the land mass not supportive for providing conventional electric connections, the tribals have been living a recluse life. The only time Melghat remains in news is due to malnourishment of children as they lack access to quality health care. So Maharashtra Government, after years of thinking, hit upon the idea of tapping the abundant energy of sun to power the homes of tribals in Melghat area. The agency is tying up with third party and has carried out detailed survey of the region to set up Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) having Lithium Ferro-Phosphate (LiFePO4). As per the contract, the agency would have to replace defective components free of cost in a period of 5 years, earmarked as comprehensive maintenance contract period (CMC) post commissioning of the system. In case of any glitches, the tribals can contact the persons nominated by the contractor who is instructed to put up posters at prominent places in villages.

 

These posters will have name of manufacturer and contact numbers for operation and maintenance plus repair of installed SHLS so that concerned beneficiaries can keep system in operative condition. Given the poor knowledge among tribals as to advanced systems, they will be provided training on the use of the white lights. Previously also, MEDA had tried hands at dispelling the darkness in tribal hamlets. However the project did not achieve the desired results and hence this time around the scheme is redrawn to ensure that tribals benefit from the same. The bidder who wins the contract has to deploy GPS and Mobile Application-based tracking mechanism to track the movements of personnel deputed for Operation & Maintenance so that same could be cross checked by MEDA.