Solar lights soon in Dongria villages

KORAPUT: The Rayagada district administration has decided to light up non-electrified villages, inhabited by Dongria Kondhs, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG), with solar energy.
Officials said as most of the Dongria villages are located in inaccessible hilly terrains, power supple elude them. In the first phase, only street lights will be installed. "It was found that installation of street lights at the villages is not possible in next few years for their remoteness," said collector (Rayagada) Jagannath Mohanty. "We hope the lights will instil a sense of security among them," he added.
The collector said the solar street lights will be installed by Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) in association with Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation of Odisha Limited (TDCC). Spade work for it has been completed.

Project leader of Dongria Kondh Development Agency (DKDA) Jagannath Soren said around 60 of the 102 villages, home to 8,924 Dongria Kondhs, have remained non-electrified. The villages are situated across Niyamgiri Hills spread over Bissamkatak, Kalyansinghpur and Muniguda blocks. The DKDA is a micro project working for the development of the tribe since 1978.
Though the administration's effort to provide street lights has been hailed, Dongria Kondhs still rue about lack of development at their villages.

"It is a welcome move by the administration but what about other development activities. Our villages lack pucca roads, safe drinking water, schools, healthcare and irrigation facilities. Construction of a few roads, started months back, is tardy," complained Sikoka Adi of Patdoma village.

"We are deprived of the basic facilities. Many times we have raised the issues before the administration, but to no avail," he added.

Officials said the major hurdle in carrying out development activities at the tribal villages is the absence of road network.

"However, on a priority basis roads will be constructed. We have invited proposals regarding development works to be done from the headmen of the villages, where government schemes are yet to be implemented. Based on feedback, works will be done," the collector said.