Junkyard of neglect: How political apathy ruined a solar plant in Unnao

Unnao (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 19 (IANS/ 101Reporters) As the mercury soars, Hasim Khan (44) reaches out for his ‘bena’ or hand fan at his modest two-room dwelling at Madarnagar in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. Life was much easier when the solar power plant was functional, but those days are far gone.

Sitting in the verandah, Khan reminisced how the free power supply from the plant set up by Arise India Limited, a Delhi-based company, brightened up his family life. “It was installed outside the village. Free connections were given to about 400 homes, including mine. We were told we would get free electricity for five years, with each family receiving 100 watts per day to power a tiny bulb and a fan.