Self-help group trains Orissa tribals to set up, run power plant

Bodomonjari (Orissa), June 14 (ANI):A self help group is training tribals in Orissa's Koraput District to build and operate a power plant.

Residents of Bodomonjari village in the district have been used to living in darkness, but now thanks to the help and support of a self-help group called 'All India Backward Class Village Development Organisation', light is being brought into their lives through an indigenously created hydro-electric power plant.

"Initially the project was started under the guidance of the organisation, but now, villagers with their hard work and know how, are managing the plant.

Now, the project belongs to the villagers. We provided material like iron, cement and other equipment for the construction of the power plant. The construction work was done by the villagers. They did not ask for any wages in return. I believe it is more than (Rupees) three lakh now," said Hanak Tandi, a member of the project committee.

A committee of 20 villagers has been formed to manage the project.

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the villagers, and with no electricity available, they were able to grow just one crop in a year. Now, with the help of the hydro-electric plant, they can grow three crops in a year.

The plant provides electricity to every household in the village. Both adults and children have benefitted tremendously as a result.

"We never thought that electricity would come in our village.

We have got many benefits from it. We are 60 kms from Similiguda. Now, with the electricity our kids are able to study," said Madhusudan Tandi, a villager.

Earlier, the villagers were dependent on rains for cultivation. But now, they get water for irrigation from the plant.

Villagers contribute Rs.20 per month for the project management which is deposited in the bank. This amount will be used to meet the repairing expenses.

The power plant generates around 30 kilowatts of electricity out of which, the villagers, use 10 kilowatts presently. (ANI)