TP North Odisha Distribution Ltd (TPNODL), the Tata Power-led power distribution utility serving north Odisha, has electrified tribal villages with solar-powered microgrids.
In a release, Tata Power said that in line with the Odisha government’s “Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana,” TPNODL has empowered 2,300 families in the remote forest areas of Simlipal Reserve, Mayurbhanj District and Kolharoida, Joda, Keonjhar District, through the deployment of 18 solar microgrids and standalone systems.
Around 42 mountainous and inaccessible villages of Astakuanara, Gudagudia, and Bareipani Gram Panchayat, are expected to benefit from this electrification drive, the release said.
On the occasion of Republic Day, Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the microgrids in a virtual ceremony and dedicated the service to the general public.
Empowering local youth
Additionally, in a step towards nurturing local talent and fostering self-reliance, TPNODL has tied up with Divine Engineering College, Rairangpur to provide residential training courses to around 40 tribal youth to ensure proper maintenance and performance of the solar installations.
TPNODL also plans to establish a dedicated solar equipment spare part market, for enhancing accessibility and timely maintenance support in Mayurbhanj district, the release added.
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