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Lighting Lives in the Sundarbans

Lighting Lives in the Sundarbans
  • Supported By: Signify Innovations India Pvt. Ltd.
  • 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.

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