Clean energy push aims to transform lives in remote and forested regions.

60 Tribal Villages in Cuttack to Get Solar Power by Year-End.

In a major step towards inclusive and sustainable development, all remote tribal villages in Cuttack district will be fully solar powered by the end of this year, district collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde announced on Friday. The initiative will benefit around 60 tribal villages, covering nearly 6,000 households located in difficult-to-access forested and hilly terrains. The project aims to improve the quality of life of tribal communities by ensuring reliable electricity for lighting, education, healthcare, livelihood activities, and digital connectivity. “Our objective is to ensure that no tribal household remains deprived of electricity,” Shinde said, adding that a dedicated team is overseeing the implementation, and work is already underway. Implemented in coordination with renewable energy agencies and the district administration, the project includes installation of household-level solar panels with battery backup. In select clusters, community solar micro-grids will power common facilities such as schools, anganwadi centres, and drinking water systems, ensuring round-the-clock access to clean energy.