Ghoramara Island Becomes India's First Solar Island with 170 KWH Power Plant

Ghoramara Island in the Sundarbans has made history by becoming India’s first solar-powered island, thanks to the successful commissioning of a 170 KWH solar and wind power plant—the largest of its kind in the country. This milestone development will provide sustainable electricity, clean drinking water, and a host of modern amenities to around 650 families on the island.

Funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the plant was established with technical expertise from IIT Kharagpur and CMERI Durgapur, under the guidance of solar energy expert, Dr. Santi Pada Gon Chaudhuri, who also chairs the project’s steering committee. Located in South 24 Parganas, Ghoramara island, which has a population of around 5,000, was previously isolated with limited access to electricity. Until now, only a few families had access to personal solar lights, while the rest of the population relied on candles or kerosene lamps for lighting.

The new solar power plant has started operating at full capacity, benefiting residents with reliable electricity from 5 PM to 10 PM daily. Key features include high-efficiency solar street lights, electric charging stations for three-wheelers, a 24-hour electric boat service, and access to clean drinking water. The island's local panchayat authorities will manage the plant, with residents contributing a nominal fee of Rs 70 per month for electricity, and local stores paying Rs 100 monthly.

SK Diljan, a local Toto driver, shared his satisfaction, saying he uses 100 watts of electricity daily for up to five hours. Another resident, Samsuddin Seikh, is now paying Rs 60 a month for 100 watts of electricity and mobile charging. In a further initiative, plans are underway to extend home lighting to an additional 450 families on the island.

Ambia Khatun Bibi, the pradhan of Ghoramara Gram Panchayat, expressed optimism about the project's impact, stating that it will enhance the quality of life for residents and help bridge the gap between rural and urban areas in terms of infrastructure and energy access.