PUNE:  In a significant move toward sustainable development and equitable energy access for underprivileged communities, the TREEI Foundation, in partnership with Netcracker Technology and the Imerys Group, has launched Project Mission Urja. This transformative initiative aims to deliver clean, dependable electricity by solar and hydropower integration to three underserved villages in Pune’s Mulshi District, with a rollout planned for 2024–2025.

The Katkari tribes of Mulshi have long struggled with limited access to electricity, relying on kerosene lamps and traditional cooking methods that hinder health, safety, and progress. These limitations have affected day-to-day living by restricting access to economic and academic opportunities while causing particular safety risks, particularly for women and children. By establishing a decentralized power distribution network, “Project Mission Urja” aims to address these issues and provide electricity to these isolated settlements for the first time.

Speaking on the project’s impact, Tanveer Inamdar Executive Director of TREEI Foundation said, “This project is about more than just electricity; it’s about bringing light to people’s lives, creating growth opportunities, and ensuring these communities are no longer left behind. We are committed to sustainable solutions that empower people, and Project Mission Urja is a critical step toward realizing that vision.”

He further added, “Each Katkari household will receive an average of 1.5 kW of clean electricity, along with individual electric meters and a reliable power supply. This sustainable energy source will not only illuminate homes but also improve security, promote self-sufficiency, and open new paths for community development. Reliable electricity will enhance health, support educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, and create a safer environment—especially for women and young people.”

The Bhumi Pujan (opening ceremony) for Project Mission Urja took place in Velvani village, attended by over 250 Katkari beneficiaries. Key figures included Mr. Mehul Waykar, Mr. Punit Kumar from Netcracker Technology, Mr. Tanveer Inamdar and Mrs. Tamanna Inamdar of TREEI Foundation, Mr. Jaya Raghuram and Mr. Shradha Ghoshal of Imerys Group, and Ms. Priya Joshi from Eklavya. 

A local governance body, TEJAS, has been created to ensure the project’s long-term success. Led by President Mr. Nagesh Gaikwad and representatives from each village, TEJAS empowers the community to manage their energy resources.

Scheduled for completion by January 2025, Project Mission Urja promises a lasting impact: enhanced health, educational access, and improved safety, especially for women and children, creating a brighter future for the Katkari communities.

The post How TREEI Foundation’s Project Mission Urja Brings Green Power to Pune’s Underserved Tribal Villages appeared first on NRI News.

The lack of awareness about eye health within the tribal community is a significant concern, as evidenced by the critical nature of many of the identified disorders. Cultural and linguistic diversity adds complexity to communication efforts, making it essential to design targeted awareness campaigns that are culturally sensitive and linguistically relevant. A comprehensive approach is needed to bridge the information gap and empower tribal populations to prioritize their eye health.

In continuing the pursuit of eliminating avoidable blindness, the Sankara Eye Foundation organized a free eye examination for tribal communities across multiple taluks in the rural areas of Karnataka, in Mysuru District. Out of the 1000 tribals’ screened, more than 75% of them were diagnosed with several eye disorders and a majority of them required immediate medical intervention. As an element of its community outreach program, the screening was conducted for individuals aged 40 years and older.

A total of 496 individuals from the tribal community received advanced treatment and care through the Foundation wherein, 66 of them underwent diverse surgical procedures, and 430 individuals were provided with spectacles, all of which were done free of cost.

Ganasekaran C, Unit Head, Sankara Eye Hospital, Bangalore said,” It is concerning to observe the prevalence of numerous eye health disorders among the population. Addressing this issue requires not only calls for medical intervention but also a concerted effort to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to improve overall eye health in these communities.

A significant factor contributing to the problem is the lack of awareness within tribal communities about the importance of regular eye check-ups and early intervention. This knowledge gap results in delayed or neglected eye care, exacerbating avoidable and preventable blindness.

By fostering collaboration and implementing targeted strategies, we can work towards ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey towards comprehensive and accessible healthcare particularly when it comes to eyes. The Foundation will continue its mission of reaching out to more people from this community and providing world-class treatment to the needy.”

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On 19^th August 2018, the memorandum was presented to Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma requesting him to take resolve the challenge faced by people. The task was immediately actioned and all legal hurdles despite the Covid 19 Pandemic were overcome, achieving the much-needed demarcation. The CEM is all set to award more than 100 land Pattas to tribal beneficiaries who are the rightful owners in recognition of their long-standing demand for rights over the land.  

Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma said, “Right over land is key to the tribal identity of our people. Hence the transfer of Land Rights to the rightful owners is one of our topmost agendas. In the past four and a half years of our tenure, we have done everything to help the people of Reserve Gittim, we have made legal provisions to award legal rights over land to the tribal people of Meghalaya. Going ahead we plan to help tribal people across the state who are facing similar challenges.”

Shri Swapnil Tembe, DC, WGH further added, “Settlement process is very important. For every application, bank application, loan application, and certificate application land documents are important, so the land settlement process is important. There are other areas as such in Tura and District administration revenue branch is surveying about the problems, enforcement staff, DC revenue staff have been instructed to survey and he thank the CM for all these.”

To resolve many problems being faced by the residents of the area different departments such as water, and electricity will coordinate with each other. The beneficiaries couldn’t have been happier: when asked to comment on the development, one of the beneficiaries, Sharon D Sangma said, “In 2018 the CEM started an investigation into the matter since they came across many problems because people did not have land pattas, they could not connect pipelines, electricity and could not apply for Caste certificates. We are grateful that CEM, and CM supported and helped us acquire these land pattas. I would like to thank our Chief Minister for recognizing our genuine aspiration and giving us legal rights over our land, something that we thought wouldn’t have been possible in our lifetime.”

Another beneficiary Remsoni Ch Marak added, “When we went to offices for loans, we were asked if we have pattas and when we could not provide one, we were told we could not apply for big loans. Now that we have got the pattas we are grateful to everyone.”

The post CM Shri Conrad Sangma Awards Land Patta To More Than 100 Tribal Households In Reserve Gittim In Western Garo Hills  appeared first on NRI News.