Edamalakkudy, the only grama panchayat in the entire State without electricity, will soon become the first solar-powered panchayat in the State.
An official of the panchayat told The Hindu on Thursday that a feasibility study had been completed in this regard. Two places have been identified for installing solar panels: one at Societykudy and the other at Ambalaparakudy.
However, since most of the settlements are spread over a large area, a good number of panels need to be erected to achieve the goal.
Broadband district
As part of declaring Idukki as the first complete broadband district in the country, solar panels have been installed for the V-sat unit at the panchayat office at Societykudy. It has been found to be a success though the mobile coverage is limited to a particular area, he said adding that there is a proposal to upgrade the system.
Open spaces are limited in Edamalakkudy, which lies in the Munnar forest division. In many tribal settlements in the forest, solar units have been set up as an alternative source of power. However, due to lack of follow-up action, these have failed to achieve the desired results.
In Edamalakkudy, there is a system in which the Ooru Mooppan monitors each settlement.
Moreover, the grama panchayat created for the tribal people will ensure timely follow-up action in case of default of panels, he said.
Some of the houses already have solar power connection and television sets are used in such houses, he said
