HT Correspondent
AGARTALA, March 2: In a historic milestone, after nearly 70 years of darkness, 82 families residing in the remote villages of Batta Para and Shambhuram Para under the Gandacherra sub-division of Tripura’s Dhalai district have been illuminated with electricity for the first time. This transformative initiative was made possible under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East (PM-DevINE) project.
Expressing his joy and gratitude, Tripura power minister Ratan Lal Nath said, “I feel immensely fortunate to witness the moment when an entire village sees the glow of electric lights for the very first time. This achievement, which once seemed impossible, has now been realized thanks to the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Through the PM-DevINE project, the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency, under the Electricity Department, has successfully brought light and energy to Batta Para and Shambhuram Para in Ganganagar block, Dhalai district. Every home—46 in Batta Para and 36 in Shambhuram Para—has been equipped with electric lights and essential facilities through solar energy. The streets are now illuminated, and a proper water supply system has also been established. The joy reflected in the eyes of these people, who have lived with minimal necessities for decades, is truly priceless. Their happiness makes all our efforts worthwhile.”
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Minister Nath further emphasized that while the villages have existed for many years, previous administrations failed to recognize their needs and extend essential services.
“Despite the challenges, our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to the upliftment of tribal communities and the overall development of our state. Bringing power to these remote areas was an arduous task, but we have taken significant steps to ensure electricity reaches even the most inaccessible households. Apart from these 82 families, another 34 families in nearby settlements also require electricity and water. Under the PM-DevINE scheme, we are installing solar panels and generating power through microgrids to cater to their needs. We have already initiated the work and are here to monitor its progress. Today, people in these villages can finally enjoy the comfort of electric lights and fans in their homes. Moreover, they will not have to bear any electricity expenses, as the initiative fully covers the costs. There is still much to accomplish, but we remain steadfast in our mission to bring progress and prosperity to every tribal household in Tripura,” he added.
This landmark achievement underlines the government’s unwavering commitment to bridging the developmental gaps in the region, ensuring that even the most marginalized communities receive access to fundamental amenities. With the flick of a switch, decades of darkness have given way to a brighter future for these 82 families, symbolizing a new dawn for Tripura’s rural landscape.
