Signify Brings Solar Lighting in Majuli to Benefit 32,000 Inhabitants

Lighting solutions provider Signify Innovations India Limited has said that it has provided 43 villages in Assam’s Majuli Island with solar street lighting to provide safety to the inhabitants at night. Signify is executing its ‘Har Gaon Roshan CSR program,’ that focuses on sustainable rural development and Majuli too is covered under it.

Signify has provided solar installations in Majuli in collaboration with Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF).

Blend of Species’ Hotspot and Challenges

Majuli Island is the largest river island that is inhabited by several ethnic groups. The riverine island is also rich in flora and fauna. Many endangered and threatened species are found on the island including abodes of migratory birds.

Life becomes challenging for those inhabiting the island during the monsoon season and the area becomes inaccessible and cut off from the mainland Assam. One can’t walk in the out after sunset and economic activities are not possible.

Providing a Safety Net

To eliminate these challenges, Signify and ESAF have now installed 100 streetlights that are solar-powered to make Majuli streets safer for inhabitants at night. These solar power lights installations provide safety especially to women and children after sunset. The solar illumination is also expected to help expand the economic activities of Majuli after dark.

Signify said that it has donated 2,000 solar portable lamps to Majuli households. This is meant for indoor lighting which will now replace kerosene lamps. Signify said that the entire project of solar powered lighting will benefit more than 32,000 inhabitants of Majuli.

Bhuban Gam, Majuli MLA, appreciated the efforts of Signify towards enhancing the safety of the local people by providing them with access to clean and affordable energy.

Natasha Wadhwa, Head – CSR, Signify, said “By lighting up the lives of more than 32,000 inhabitants of the beautiful Majuli Island with sustainable solar lighting solutions, Signify is not just illuminating the present, but paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. We are proud to play a part in illuminating the path towards a greener and equitable world. ”

Solar power is also being employed for solar lighting, solar fencing and community education, to stem the challenge of conflict between elephants and human beings in the Brahmaputra Valley.