Disaster hit Chungthang falls back on solar power to keep Diwali bright

DEEPAK SHARMA, EOI, CHUNGTHANG, NOVEMBER, 12, 2023 : In the face of power outage in Chungthang for a prolonged period following the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood on the intervening night of October 3 and 4, a good Samaritan has come forward to set up solar street lights in Chungthang Bazar.

The devastating flash flood damaged several critical infrastructures such as road connectivity, and telecommunication. Several bridges connecting to Chungthang were washed away. All power lines were also disrupted. Most of the electric poles which helped in the distribution of electricity from the local substation to homes and commercial establishments were completely washed away.

As a result of this, Chungthang Bazaar has been deprived of light after the sunset for more than a month now. This has made it very challenging for the administration, and also for the army which is engaged in the construction of the Bailey bridge, relief workers, and other volunteers who are putting in all the efforts in the restoration and rehabilitation of displaced families. Considering the difficult circumstances, Prabhakar Golay and his friends, in consultation with the Panchayat President, has provided solar street lights for Chungthang. 

On Saturday youths from Chungthang and Bop village headed by Nawang Lepcha were successful in installing the solar street lights. The street lights were installed in certain locations after due consultation with the common people, according to a statement issued by the organizers.

This help from the volunteers has come right in time, just before Diwali, the festival of lights