Pune: TREEI Foundation, in collaboration with Netcracker Technology and the Imerys Group, has launched Project Mission Urja to deliver green electricity to remote Katkari villages.
The initiative is set to bring clean, reliable power through solar and hydropower to three underserved villages by 2025, marking a significant advancement in health, safety, and growth opportunities for these marginalized communities.
The Katkari tribes in these villages have long faced severe power scarcity, depending on kerosene lamps and traditional methods that hinder development and compromise safety, particularly for women and children.
Project Mission Urja aims to bridge this gap by creating a decentralized power network, providing a steady supply of electricity for the first time.
Tanveer Inamdar, Executive Director of TREEI Foundation, highlighted the project’s transformative impact: “This project is more than just electricity—it’s about uplifting lives, fostering growth, and ensuring these communities no longer remain disconnected from progress. We are dedicated to sustainable solutions that empower people, and Project Mission Urja is a critical step in fulfilling that vision.”
Each Katkari household will receive approximately 1.5 kW of green energy, with installed electric meters ensuring a consistent and reliable supply.
The access to clean power will not only light homes but also enhance security, support education, and stimulate economic self-sufficiency—significantly benefiting women and young people.
The Bhumi Pujan (ground breaking ceremony) for Project Mission Urja took place in Velvani village, with more than 250 beneficiaries in attendance, along with representatives from TREEI Foundation, Netcracker Technology, Imerys Group, and Eklavya.
To ensure the project’s sustained success, a local governance body, TEJAS, has been established under the leadership of President Nagesh Gaikwad and village representatives, empowering the community to manage its own energy resources.
Scheduled for completion by January 2025, Project Mission Urja is set to bring lasting benefits to the Katkari communities, enhancing health, safety, and educational access for a brighter, more sustainable future.