Under the guidance of Dr. Mithilesh Dangi of Azadi Bachao Andolan, the forum has recently installed and put in operation a micro-thermal power plant in a remote village inside the jungle in Jharkhand, 68 kilometres from Hazaribagh. The plant runs on coal and water and has a steam engine coupled with an alternator. It produces 4 KW power which is enough to light up the village and its streets.
The village, Kekoria Tand in Keradari Block of Hazaribagh district, is an example of community participation. The tribal population is being trained by the forum to run the plant after the trial period when they will jointly own the plant.
The other such well-known example, now gaining even more widespread recognition, is Bunker Roy's Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan. A perfect example of how the community can truly be self-reliant whether it be in energy or water sufficiency or building efficient structures, one cannot find better inspiration. It even exports its home made solar panels to Ladakh! The village now trains people from outside the country.
Decentralised generation has been advocated for remote regions to save the huge losses in transmission as well as costs in taking power across tough terrains and distances. The problem has been that of operation and maintenance. Community ownership like the above instance is one way. Many times it has not been exactly successful.
The other would be to hire people for the job. Creating ‘green jobs’!!
PS: The Jharkhand Alternative Development Forum invites your participation.
By donating Rs. 1,25,000/- (US $2,500/-), you can become the patron of the village whose uplift you take up. You will be invited to inaugurate the plant and a timeless relationship will be established between you and the village. Not to discount the immense satisfaction of having done something worthwhile.
For details, contact the convenor P P Verma at premverma42@yahoo.com
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