Tata Steel Foundation Illuminates Sanjala Village in Sundargah district with Solar Power

By Ipsita Das

Bonaigarh( Odisha) April 22: In the remote village of Sanjala, nestled in the dense forests of Sundergarh district, under Haladikudar Gram Panchayat of Lahunipara Tehsil, darkness has been a part of daily life. Home to particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), the village has faced numerous challenges, including regular electricity cuts due to frequent movement of elephants.

But change has come, one rooftop at a time.

A collaborative initiative between Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) and Hindustan Colas Private Limited (HINCOL) has brought solar-powered hope to Sanjala. Thanks to their joint effort, 76 households—scattered across hilly and forested terrain—now have access to sustainable, clean and renewable energy. Each household is equipped with rooftop solar lighting systems, including LED bulbs, ceiling fans, and mobile charging points, benefiting over 330 residents.

This transformation began after the Foundation came to know about the community’s condition and then partnered with HINCOL to implement a solution that is both sustainable and suited to the local context.

For villagers like Suresh Naik, the difference is profound. “Earlier, we were scared to go out after sunset. Now, our children can study in the evenings, and we feel safer,” he said. Women in the village have found a new sense of freedom—fetching water, attending evening gatherings, and participating more actively in community life.

Shri Akshay Pillay, Sub-Collector, Bonaigarh commended TSF’s efforts, calling it “a much required and remarkable job”, addressing the needs of the tribals while taking care of the environment.

This is more than an electrification project—it’s a story of sustainability and empowerment. By embracing renewable energy, TSF and HINCOL have not only illuminated homes but also ignited a new chapter of opportunity and resilience in one of Odisha’s isolated communities.