Thanks to solar energy, Stakchey brok and Fooker Bodh Kharbu villages situated at the altitude of 14000 feet, have been electrified for the first time since Independence.
It took more than 70 years for the people in the upper reaches of Kargil to see an electric bulb glowing.
Thanks to solar energy, Stakchey brok and Fooker Bodh Kharbu villages situated at the altitude of 14000 feet, have been electrified for the first time since Independence.
Since the villages are located at a higher altitude, the authorities had not laid electric cables and poles in these remote areas. This resulted in the people living in abject darkness and using traditional and hazardous means of lighting.
Come 2016, the Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) has installed 12 grids using state-of-the-art DC Nano Grid solar technology to electrify the two villages. Three grids with 250W, 100W, and 70W capacity have been installed in Stakchey brok. Nine grids — three each with 70W capacity, one grid with 250W and five grids of 100W capacity — have been installed in Fookar Bodh Kharboo .
"It is for the first time that the villagers are seeing an electricity bulb glowing in their homes. We had given them a home lighting system (solar lantern) in 2010, but its life was only for five years. Now we have used Nano Grid technology to electrify the villages", Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Project Director, Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA), told DNA.
Located 80 kilometres away from the town of Kargil, and situated at an altitude of 14000 feet, the two villages house 38 families comprising 150 souls. Most of the villagers eke out their living by rearing cattle. Some of the villages migrate to the plains during winters to graze their cattle.
"What we have done is that we have connected three to four houses with one grid. We have given 7-10 LED lights to each family. Every room of the family will now have an LED bulb. The technology is such that the grid is capable of handling the load. Plus the kids of these villagers will now be able to study at home", said Kacho.
After achieving this incredible feat, the Jammu and Kashmir government has set another goal of setting up a 100 KW solar power project to electrify the bigger village on the higher altitudes.
"Under this project we will be installing a 100 KW plant to tap the solar power which could cater to a large population in the area", said Kacho.
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