Panchayat goes solar

Setting yet another model for other local bodies to emulate, Pookkottukavu grama panchayat in Palakkad district has began a unique initiative contributing 30 KW of power daily to the State’s energy grid.

Initiated under Thadheshamithram project for economically backward panchayats, the new initiative uses solar panels installed on top of the panchayat building to generate power. According to panchayat president K. Jayadevan, the project was completed in 17 days using funds worth Rs. 30 lakh.

M.B. Rajesh, MP, will inaugurate the project on January 15. Public sector Keltron had provided technical backup to the project. A total of 120 solar panels have been installed.

An average of 120 units of power can be generated daily except during the monsoon days.

The KSEB will buy the generated power at Rs. 3.45 per unit. It will ensure additional income to the panchayat which hitherto paid electricity bill worth around Rs. 5,000 per month.

The panchayat had created headlines in the past by forming a collective of women well-diggers and digging over 200 wells. A massive tree plantation drive was also conducted in the panchayat during last monsoon to maintain its green cover.

Source: thehindu