Agartala: The Tripura government has decided to install composite solar panels in 50 rural tribal hostels in the state, an official said on Tuesday.
The solar panels will not only provide lighting for the hostels but will also power pumps to lift water to overhead tanks, the official added.
In remote areas, ensuring a reliable conventional power supply remains a constant challenge for various reasons.
“To solve the problem, the government has decided to install composite solar power unit in 50 tribal hostels located in interior areas to supply steady power. Each unit will cost Rs 48 to Rs 50 lakh,” Director of Tribal Welfare Department, Subhasish Das, said.
He said funds have been allocated to the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Authority (TREDA) to implement the project for illuminating tribal hostels through solar power.
“The TREDA is expected to complete the installation in 50 hostels within the next six months under the first phase,” he said, adding that once implemented, the project will ensure a reliable power supply to hostels situated in remote tribal areas.
Das said the Tribal Welfare Department had planned to implement the solar power project in two Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) at the earliest.
ALSO READ: Tripura to export 40 MW power to Mizoram for Christmas festivities
“Since the cost of installation is around Rs 1.50 crore per EMRS, the department plans to shortlist two institutions — one at Padmabil in Khowai district and another at Dumburnagar in Dhalai district,” he said.
