In a significant move towards self-reliance, the village of Manyachiwadi in Maharashtra’s Satara district is harnessing solar energy to become independent of government welfare measures. Historically controversial, welfare measures such as free electricity, subsidized bus travel, discounted gas cylinders, and loan waivers often ignite political debates across the nation. However, Manyachiwadi is charting a different path by focusing on sustainable and independent power generation.
The village is installing solar panels on every residential rooftop, enabling the generation of electricity for supply to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) in exchange for the power consumed by the community.
“Manyachiwadi’s bold leap into sustainable energy stands as a dramatic testament to what can be achieved when people unite with a vision of self-reliance and environmental stewardship. We can’t wait for the government to pump in money or provide subsidies for everything. We need to take steps to become self-reliant, and the government can play the role of facilitator,” stated Ravindra Mane, the village sarpanch (elected head), whose village has a population of 400.
Mane informed Business Line that solar panels will be installed on 100 rooftops, generating approximately 1,500 units of electricity annually. Additionally, a separate 5-kilowatt project will be established for the Gram Panchayat office, school, and anganwadi, along with a 4-kilowatt project for a water supply scheme. “This takes care of all the power demand in the village, and we will not have to pay a single rupee for electricity,” Mane added.
The household solar energy project commenced recently, with Tata Solar Power Company, through its Sanmitra Solar Energy initiative, deploying about ten technicians for the task.
Manyachiwadi has previously received numerous state and national awards for its community-driven initiatives. In 2021-22 and 2022-23, the village won the ₹50-lakh prize under the ‘Majhi Vasundhara’ competition held by the State government to encourage citizen participation in climate change mitigation. The prize money, along with a grant from the Union government’s ‘PM Suryaghar Yojana,’ is being utilized for the solar project.
As the sun rises over Manyachiwadi, it not only illuminates the solar panels on every rooftop but also highlights the spirit of a community determined to thrive independently and sustainably.
