From hills to islands: One men Solar Dream relieves Manipurs' farthest corners

Imphal, August 17 (PTI) As the sun drops behind the remote hills of Manipur, life in many towns once slipped into darkness. Women completed their tasks early, children struggled to study under Kerosine lamps, and health workers relied on noisy diesel generators to look after emergencies. But over the past few years, the quiet glow of solar lamps has changed the story. In the middle of this transformation is Seth Moirangthem, a 38-year-old from the District of Imhal East. She begins, Snl Energy Solutions Ltd, has brought clean, affordable electricity to thousands of households spread across the hilly areas of the state and to the fishing communities living on the islands in the lure branch in the Bishnupur district. “In 2015, while traveling to Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati, I realized how people struggled without access to power,” remembered Seth. “It was also when I met people related to the Selco Foundation in Bengaluru, and the idea of solar energy solutions hit me,” he told Pti. Seth, an art degree at the University of Manipur, said he was offered technical training by the Selco Foundation. The challenges, he admits, were horrible. Solar equipment is purchased in Guwahati and transported by Manipur’s highways. “Periodic blockades, bandhs and now ethnic violence often disrupt supplies. Installation only lasts a few hours, but it can take days to get the material there,” he said. By relying on local partners, Seth and his team still managed to continue to lift homes in places that reach few power lines. For residents, the change was dramatic. Lukitui, a villager in Ukhrul, said solar energy gave women fresh opportunities. “They can run sewing machines and power until late at night. Children also study without tension their eyes. ‘ Health workers reflect the sentiment. In the Jessami Primary Health Center in Ukhrul, near the border of Nagaland, the health professional K Makweiron said life without solar backup is difficult. “Earlier we used diesel generators. They were expensive and deafening. With solar panels, we finally have a reliable, peaceful solution to serve patients,” she said. On the small islands in the lure branch, home to thousands of Vissersfolk, the coming of solar energy was a blessing. “Candles and kerosine lamps were dangerous for our thatched roofs,” said Fisherman P Keshojit Mitei. “Now our homes are safe, and the nights feel alive.” In addition to lighting houses, SNL Energy Solutions – named after the biblical phrase ‘salt and light’ – has provided street lamps in the remote hilly areas of Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts. To make the technology affordable, Seth has linked NGOs and microfinance institutions and families offer the option to pay in small monthly payments. A panel of 40 watts is enough for a few light bulbs. For power materials and sewing machines, a 1-kilowatt panel is better. As it costs more, we distribute payments through EMIs, ‘he said. Officials of the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) acknowledge that solar power is bridging an important void. “Most large towns are connected to the network, but many remote households and settlements on Lake Lektaklaklaklaklaat are due to the site and connectivity issues. In such areas, solar power is a lifeline,” said an MSPDCL officer. With the plans to expand to Assam and Nagaland, Seth’s business is growing. From the inner courtyards in Ukhrul to the islands in Lok branch, his solar panels rewrite nocturnal routines.