Nalco plans solar electrification in 163 villages of Koraput

08 April, Bhubaneswar

The Navratna Central Public sector National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) has decided to install solar electrification systems in 163 periphery villages of tribal-dominated Damanjodi sector in Koraput district.

Nalco sources here said the Rs nine crore project shall be executed through Nalco foundation, the CSR arm of the company in the area where the company’s mines & refinery complex is located.

The foundation has already installed 30 solar street lights in two villages, as a pilot project.

Besides, Nalco has also received proposals from local sarpanchs, MLAs, MPs and district administration to take up different projects towards the infrastructure development in the villages around Damanjodi and Pottangi.

In the first phase, Nalco is planning to implement 49 projects at a cost of Rs15.83 crore. In the second phase, 32 projects shall be implemented with an estimated cost of Rs 24.33 crore. In the field of employment generation for the project affected people in Damanjodi sector, Nalco has provided employment to all the 600 land displaced persons, barring one for want of nominee.

The company has now identified 235 substantially affected persons, who have lost one third or more land for the project of Nalco in this sector. The list of nominees from the identified families is being prepared by the district administration.

Out of the names nominated so far, three persons have been employed in the company and rest nominees are in the process of getting employment.