Kundapura: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Udupi district, the Hengavalli Gram Panchayat has successfully implemented a solar-powered motor pump to supply drinking water from a borehole, replacing traditional electric pumps.
For the past year, this solar-powered system has been operating successfully in Hengavalli. It is estimated that this shift will save the Gram Panchayat at least 25,000 rupees in monthly electricity bills, amounting to lakhs of rupees in annual savings.
Why the solar pump?
Providing drinking water to 30 houses in the Korabettu area of the 3rd ward in Hengavalli village was a major challenge. Although a new borehole was drilled through the efforts of then-MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty, it remained without an electricity connection for three years. The primary obstacle was the reserve forest area, which required over 40 electric poles to be installed over a long distance. The Panchayat estimated a cost of 28 lakh rupees for this setup. Consequently, Santosh Kumar Shetty, the then-president of Hengavalli GP and a local ward member, pushed for the installation of a solar motor.
5 lakh rupee cost
With a grant of 5 lakh rupees from the Panchayat and in collaboration with the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a solar panel unit was constructed. This unit now powers a 10 HP motor pump, which remains in continuous operation.
A model for other Gram Panchayats
By becoming self-reliant through solar power for water supply, Hengavalli GP has set an example for others. If more Panchayats adopt solar-powered pumps, it will reduce the burden of expensive electricity bills and decrease power consumption. Using easily accessible solar energy can also help lower water service charges.
Plans for expansion
"The solar-powered pump installation is the first such experiment in the district and is running successfully. We are considering implementing this in other locations if grants are available. There are also plans to install solar power for motor pumps in schools and Anganwadis," said Nagashayana Rao, AEE, Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Byndoor Sub-division.
Running successfully
"The Korabettu area of Hengavalli faced severe water scarcity, and water had to be supplied via tankers every year. Although a borehole was drilled as a permanent solution, the lack of an electricity connection was a major hurdle. Getting a power connection was not easy. The solution we found was a solar-powered motor pump, which is now successful and saving on electricity bills," said Santosh Kumar Shetty, former President, Hengavalli GP.
- Prashant Pade