Balasore: In a significant development, power supply has now been extended to the roots in northern Odisha, ensuring electricity for 42 villages in Similipal. TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPNODL) a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has successfully provided power to over 2300 families residing in mountainous and inaccessible villages across Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts. This accomplishment is part of the ‘Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana’ (BGJY), a joint initiative with Government of Odisha aimed at bringing illumination to every home.
Through dedicated efforts and a commitment to leveraging solar energy, both the State Government and TPNODL have ensured electricity access to these remote areas. On the occasion of Republic Day, Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Pattnaik virtually dedicated the service to the general public.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Public Enterprises, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Vineet Bharadwaj, IAS, Collector & DM, Mayurbhanj District, Diptiman Bal, advisor, Rural electrification (ODSSP), Bharati Hansdah, President – Jillaparishad, Mayurbhanj as well as Bhaskar Sarkar, CEO of TPNODL.
Prominent figures present at the occasion included Chief Commercial Officer of TPNODL, Praveen Verma, Chief Project Pradeep Mohanty, Project General Manager Rajeev Nayak and CSR Head Dilip Kumar Sahu.
More than 6000 residents across 42 villages of Astakuanara, Gudagudia, and Bareipani Gram Panchayat, are expected to benefit from this electrification drive.
During the event, Chief Minister Shri Naveen Pattnaik expressed his delight, stating, “I am extremely pleased to announce the dedication of 18 new power grids to the people of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the ‘BGJY’ scheme, positively impacting over 2300 households.” Notably, solar power arrangements have been implemented for the tribal communities residing in the Similipal area. TPNODL is actively working on the Solar Microgrid and Standalone project, with an expenditure of Rs. 32 crore under the ‘Biju Gram Jyoti Yojana.’ The Chief Minister commended TPNODL’s efforts in ensuring electricity reaches the most remote areas.
TPNODL has also arranged detailed residential training courses for 38 tribal youths to ensure proper maintenance and performance of the solar installation.
