Coverage: 65 villages across 4 blocks- Kakdwip, Pathar Pratima, Namkhana and Sagar Blocks of Sunderban, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
Duration: Ongoing since 2021
Delivered Infrastructure: 150 solar streetlights, 1,700 LED streetlights, 1200 solar home lighting systems & 800 solar lanterns
Capacity Building: 370 community members trained in solar repair and maintenance.
Project Overview
This flagship solar lighting project aims to provide clean energy access to remote, off-grid villages of the Sundarbans. It is designed to reduce dependence on kerosene, enhance community safety and support livelihoods through micro solar-powered infrastructure and training
Impact So Far
• 2,600 families transitioned to clean lighting, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.
• Marketplaces now remain open longer even after dusk, hence income has increased by 20%.
• Marketplaces now remain open longer even after dusk, hence income has increased by 20%.
• 30% reduction in energy costs as villagers save on kerosene expenses and redirect funds to food, education and healthcare
• 80% reduction in kerosene usage, cutting 6,500 kg of carbon emissions per month.
• Improved air quality, lead to a reduction in respiratory illnesses among 1,000+ households.
• Reduced human casualties and livestock attacks by tigers, crocodiles and snakes by 60%.
• 40% decline in wildlife-induced poverty by preventing the loss of breadwinners, reducing household debt.
• Deterred wildlife from entering farmlands, protecting crops and impacted over 1,000 farming households
• 35% increase in study hours as students now have reliable lighting for evenings, improving academic performance.
• 50% reduction in safety concerns for women as well-lit streets and homes allow them to move freely after dark.
• Enhanced night time mobility for elderly and differently able with solar-lit pathways.