by Aditi Krishnan
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- While the rest of the state languishes under severe power cuts, Odunathurai in Mettupalyam, a small village in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is all set to supply itself with free energy within the next five years.
- The villages panchayat (local grassroots self-government body), which has won the distinction of being the best in the country not once but twice, aims to raise Rs 5 crore to set up wind and solar energy farms. 8,000 residents are expected to benefit from the scheme (TimesOfIndia.com, 9 November 2011).
- Odunathurai already has an up-and-running Rs 2.3 crore wind farm that generates 7.5 lakh units of energy.
- It has earned worldwide recognition for its unique sustainable initiatives, including the energy farm, and other self-sufficiency undertakings, such as a mega water purification plant and low interest-lending scheme for villagers.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Rural Indians are gradually becoming eager to harness technology to carve out better lives for themselves. They are displaying the drive and determination to become self-sufficient instead of relying wholly on slow moving or lackadaisical central bureaucracy.
- The success of rural innovation initiatives is likely to set a precedent and inspire such other grassroots’ level organisations.
RESOURCES
