Solar lantern to replace kerosene lamps in rural areas soon:Minister

New Delhi, Jul 18 (UNI) The government today said it plans for largescale replacement of kerosene lamps with solar lanterns in the rural areas.

Beside saving about 50 litres of kerosene, this initiative will also avoid health hazards associated with poor quality of light and pollution due to burning of kerosene, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Vilas Muttemwar said while addressing solar lantern manufacturers here.

The government can also save kerosene subsidy by providing solar lanterns, he added.

The manufacturers assured that the Indian photovoltaic industry is fully geared to take up this challenge.

The industry is equipped to supply up to four million solar lanterns in a year and is totally committed to support the initiatives taken by the Ministry in this regard.

Various issues relating to manufacturing, distribution, after sale services and product quality were also discussed.

The representatives reaffirmed that the quality of the product developed in the country has better quality of light and reliability.

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