DDC Kupwara inaugurates distribution of Solar Street Lights

KUPWARA, December 07: The District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), Department of Science & Technology inaugurated the distribution of Solar Street Lights (SSLs) procured under DDC/BDC/PRI Grants in District Kupwara.

The Solar Street Light is a decentralized solution for illumination of public places and a perfect replacement for electric street lights which are dependent on grid supply for illumination. The installation of Solar Street Lights in the district shall come as a big relief for the local inhabitants for facilitating smooth movement of the public especially during dark winter evenings.

Based on the release of funds by the District Administration, 305 numbers of Solar Street Lights are being installed under DDC Head, 571 under BDC Head and 6942 SSLs under PRI grants in which 173 Panchayats would be covered in the district. These Solar Street Lights would be maintained free of cost for a period of 5 years by the suppliers under Comprehensive Maintenance Clause. The latest technology of Lithium Batteries along with MPPT circuits has been introduced for longer life of the systems.

Speaking on the occasion, DDC Kupwara, advised the installation teams to carry out the installation of the SSLs properly along the roadsides and other public places as identified by the respective DDCs/BDCs/PRIs and it should be ensured that none of the SSLs shall be installed within the premises of any individual household.

All BDCs and a few PRIs were present on the occasion along with the team of officers from JAKEDA including Er. Maqsud Ali Banka, Executive Engineer, JAKEDA and Muzaffar Ahmed Malik, Dy. CEO JAKEDA.