By Angel Chitrakar | Senior Program Officer, ECCA
In the past month, solar tuki multiple charger (one charger having 25 solar PV panel + one charger having 20 solar PV panel = total 45 solar PV panels, capable of charging 90 solar tuki lamps at one time) was placed in Rastriya Primary School, Glauthok village in Chitwan district, South Central Nepal. Total 90 pcs. solar tuki lamp were provided (42 households x 2 pcs. per household = 84 pcs. plus 6 pcs. for school use).
It was significant also because most of the families residing in the village are Chepang (nomads). They are a highly marginalized indigenous ethnic minority group. They are dependent on Diyalo (wooden strip of pine trees) for lighting their homes. They often make a big open fire which is contributing for light as well, thereby contributing towards excessive use of firewood and deforestation. They cannot afford to buy kerosene for lighting the kerosene wicked lamp (known as tuki in Nepali language).
The main income source of the people is agriculture but due to insufficient water to irrigate their field, the agriculture produce is hardly enough for 6 months. Rest of the year, people go for labor in nearby towns and go in the jungle to find tuber, root, bulb to feed the family.
Most of the village housewives are now happy from the use of solar tuki because of ease of life, no need to collect Diyalo, convenient to prepare evening meals, health benefit and brighter light. Mr. Buddhi Lal Chepang, a teacher in the Rastriya Primary School, expressed happiness in providing the solar tuki lamp. Now, the students need not fear about the fire hazard and the black soot particulates (emitted by Diyalo, which causes various health problems like eye irritation, cough, etc.) and the students can now study better.
For long-term operation of the solar tuki, locals were provided repair and maintenance training as well as the required tool sets.
I would like to thank all for your support. Because of your help and support, we have been able to make a difference. We hope for the same type of support in the coming days.
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Thank you & Regards,
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