The Tripura government’s initiative to install composite solar power units in rural tribal hostels across the state comes as a response to the issue of erratic electricity supply in interior regions. The plan, announced by Subhasish Das, Director of the Tribal Welfare Department, aims to provide uninterrupted power for lighting and water supply in these areas.
Each solar unit will not only provide electricity for lighting but will also operate a pump to lift water to overhead tanks, ensuring a continuous supply of water. The cost of each solar unit is estimated to be between Rs.48 lakh and Rs.50 lakh. The funding for this project has been allocated to the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Authority (TREDA), which will oversee the installations.
TREDA is expected to complete the installation of solar power units in all 50 hostels within six months as part of the first phase of the project. Additionally, the Tribal Welfare Department plans to introduce similar solar power systems in two Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) located in Padmabil and Dumburnagar districts. The estimated cost for each EMRS installation is around Rs.1.50 crore.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma has been actively visiting EMRS institutions and tribal hostels across the state to assess the facilities and interact with students. This initiative is part of the department’s efforts to improve infrastructure in these educational institutions and residential hostels. By providing reliable and sustainable sources of power, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in these rural tribal areas.
