Patna, Vikas K Ojha, December 23rd, 2024: On the first day of his Pragati Yatra, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the On-Grid Electrification Project in West Champaran’s Ghothwa Tola (Santpur Sohriya Panchayat), marking a significant step towards providing uninterrupted and quality electricity to remote areas of the district. The project, valued at ₹139.04 crores, aims to replace the existing off-grid electricity supply with a more reliable on-grid system, benefiting 11,798 households across 25 villages.
The project, set to be completed within 18 months, is expected to bring about significant socio-economic development in the Valmikinagar region, particularly in the remote and forested areas where the Tharu tribal community resides. These areas currently rely on solar energy installations, but with the new project, power will be supplied through underground cables and transmission towers crossing the Gandak River to connect these villages to the grid. This will ensure 24/7 electricity in even the most challenging regions.
According to Pankaj Kumar Pal, Secretary of the Energy Department and CMD of BSPHCL, this project will be a game-changer for the region, ensuring reliable and high-quality electricity to both residential and public institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and other public facilities. Additionally, it will support local industries and businesses, boosting economic growth.
The project is expected to create 141,710 man-days of employment and provide a substantial boost to the local economy. The total cost of ₹139.04 crores is shared between the central government (₹60.17 crores) and the state government (₹78.87 crores). This ambitious initiative will not only improve living standards but also foster growth and development in the area, particularly for its rural and tribal communities.
