May 25, 2023: Signify (Euronext: LIGHT),a leading global name in lighting, has impacted the lives of 32,000 people residing in 43 villages in Majuli Island, Assam, with solar street lighting. This initiative will greatly enhance the safety of local citizens. This project is executed in collaboration with ESAF or the Evangelical Social Action Forum. It is a part of the company CSR program, Har Ghar Roshan, with a strong focus on sustainable rural development.
Majuli, home to many ethnic groups who have inhabited it for centuries is often cited as the cultural capital of Assam and is one of the world’s largest river islands. It offers a natural habitat for rich flora and fauna including many endangered species including migratory birds. They make Majuli their abode during the harsh and cold winters.
Life during monsoons is challenging for the inhabitants of Majuli, as the swirling waters of the Brahmaputra river brings life on this island to a complete standstill. Its’ approach and accessibility from the mainland is completely cut off. After the sun sets the entire island is shrouded in darkness and it is unsafe to move about and impossible to conduct any economic activity. With a view to addressing these challenges and improving the life of the locals, Signify worked in close association with ESAF and installed 100 solar powered streetlights. These offered enough lighting to make the streets safe after dark. A donation of 2,000 solar portable lamps to households was also embarked upon by Signify. The kerosene oil lamps that were being used earlier and emitted harmful fumes were replaced. This project had a large scale beneficial impact on the lives of the island residents.
Shri Bhuban Gam, Honorable MLA of Majuli constituency mentioned that the welfare of his people was a top priority and through this project, the inhabitants of the island would have access to affordable and clean energy. He complimented Signify on this initiative that instilled safety for the residents through good lighting after dark.
Talking about this initiative, Natasha Wadhwa, Head – CSR, Signify Innovations India Limited said that more than 32,000 inhabitants of this beautiful island now had access to sustainable solar lighting solutions and this step would not be limited only to the present generation but would continue lighting up the life of the future generations as well. She was proud that Signify could contribute towards promoting a “greener and equitable world.”
The Har Gaon Roshan project has added manifold benefits for rural development. It has not only enhanced the safety of women and children after dark, but also facilitated economic activities after sunset by extending the working hours through this solar based lighting initiative.
