Gurgaon, India, May, 2004 – The Foundation introduced solar power to the villages of Ghaghas and Agon for the first time in May 2004. Though the initial cost of installing solar panels is an expensive exercise, they are maintenance free and environment friendly. Once in place, these act as low cost alternatives assuring power supply.

The villages of Mewat, which continue to survive in the dark with dim house lights and no street lights, are just a few kilometers away from the city of Gurgaon . Though these villages are connected to the public electricity supply with some houses having the privilege of legal connections and others managing with illegal connections, an erratic power supply and low voltage act as impediments. On an average, the supply is only about 7-8 hours per day at indefinite intervals, of which only about 5 hours of supply is evident at night.

A breakdown of power due to strong winds or other reasons means there is no supply for 10-15 days at a stretch. During the peak summer months when the temperatures rise to 46 o c, such long power cuts make village lives miserable. The absence of latrines in the villages complicates the issue more; women and elderly often fear stepping out into the pitch dark streets.

To address these issues and provide sustainable solutions, the Foundation decided to draw solar power to these villages. As a pilot project, two solar street lights costing Rs.23,000 per unit in Ghaghas; one each at the community center and at the village mosque was installed with 11 Watt CFL. Similarly, in Agon, a solar home lighting system costing Rs.12,000 with 9 Watt CFL was installed at the Family Life Education Center . With this home lighting system three units including two lights and a fan, can be used for about eight hours at a stretch.

Villagers appreciated the efforts of the Foundation; they are overwhelmed to have such technology wonders available in their village. Now, there is a great demand for solar street lighting system in these villages. Villagers are willing to collect contributions from each household and provide Rs.1000 for each street light.

The Foundation is seeking partnership with the government to make these lights available at a subsidized rate. Together, with the involvement of the Village Level Institution (VLI) members, the Foundation is making efforts to raise funds from other sources like Panchayat and donor organizations. A village like Ghaghas would require about 20 such street lights to bring night life in to the village.

For further information please contact:

The Sehgal Foundation
Dr. (Ms) Ellora Mubashir;
289, Sector 17A,
Gurgaon, Haryana-122001, India