Three engineers vow to light up 100 villages in Karnataka with solar power and plant one million saplings

May the power be with them

Three engineers vow to light up 100 villages in Karnataka with solar power and plant one million saplings

They also want to plant one million saplings on highways in the state in collaboration with IT companies.

Rural roots

The three Samaritans have grown up in rural Karnataka and are therefore acquainted with problems of people who live in villages.

Raghunath, A Shivram and Chetan Prasad R want to ensure the benefits of technology reach the common man living in the villages

They propose to set up Light Emission Diode (LED) bulbs powered by solar power in these villages as the bulbs last longer and consume 70 per cent less power than conventional bulbs.

G-Rays Day

The initiative, which has been christened G-Rays Day celebration, will see every village included in the project getting three streetlights to begin with, following which, the entire village will be lighted. Each household will also get an extra point that will allow them to watch TV.

The three engineers have invited scientists to discuss strategies to avoid power wastage. They have also approached various major IT firms in Bangalore. Two companies have already pledged their support.
u00a0
The men have however decided to not seek any funds from the government. By the end of 2012, the group plans to plant one million plants on national highways that pass through the state.

Forest officials have agreed to supply saplings at a concession rates to the three Samaritans. Two IT companies have assured support to their cause.

Use power wisely

Raghunath, chairman, G-Rays Day celebration, said, "We want to educate people to use power wisely.
u00a0
The power crisis is big headache to the people. We live in the modern age and talk about technology.
u00a0
Our villages however don't have electricity for three-hours. We hope to harness solar energy so they get some power."

SP Shrinath, a scientist, who is developing the solar devices, said, "It is time we understood and used solar energy because hydro and thermal energy sources are not permanent.

Moreover the costs of producing and distributing them are high. Solar energy can help us save 70 per cent less energy."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels