By : Mohan Verma
To bring normalcy in flood hit Kinnaur district, a public sector unit Himurja would distribute as many as 10,000 free solar lantern with estimated cost of Rs. 2.50 crore.
Speaking with media, spokesman of Himuraja P.L. Sharma said that Deputy Speaker of state legislative assembly Jagat Singh Negi had already launched this scheme on January 26, 2014 after distributing free solar lantern to the flood hit victims.
It is worthwhile to mention here that during early monsoon season number of households and people have been affected by unprecedented flood occurred in Uttarakhand and Kinnaur district of Himachal.
He said that solar lantern being distributed to the flood hit people have battery back up of six to seven hours. It can be charged with solar panel as well as directly from power connection. This appliance is useful during the power cut as it could be used for charging mobile phone.
Himurja, promotes non-conventional or renewable source of energy and had also distributed 4337 free solar lantern to gaddi tribes (shepherds) of this hill state as this nomadic community could use this lamp during their migration period in jungles where they hardly have any power connections.
Shepherds who are registered with state wool federation could apply for this scheme are being charged minimal departmental cost, he added informing that scheme is popular among the beneficiary who were turning up in large number.
The official cautioned the people that some miscreants were indulged in theft of public solar battery to further use it in their truck and vehicles but battery is not compatible for the normal use and should resist from such activity. He also urged the public to come forward with lodging complaint to authority if they found any one tempering with this state property.
Public sector unit was helping the state to reduce consumption of power as well as heavy expenses being incurred upon it after prompting solar power. Under the aegis of Himurja, Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission is being conducted to provide solar street light in the state.
