According to one community member, Sulochana: ‘our house is in a shaded area surrounded by trees, so it remains dark throughout the day. We lived in darkness every day.’
In India, Habitat for Humanity supports people living in poor, vulnerable and marginalised communities to build homes that are safe and dignified. For many of the families living in Palghar district, Maharashtra, safety and dignity begins with something many of us take for granted – access to clean, reliable energy to light their homes.
Through the Saur Urja project, funded by M&G, over 350 families in Palghar district, Maharashtra are no longer living in darkness because they now have clean, reliable solar energy. Speaking about his home, Shamu acknowledged: ‘Sometimes we don’t get enough wind flow, since the climate changes every day. But now, whenever it’s hot, we can use a fan powered by solar energy. Habitat India and M&G helped us and we feel very good. Every time we use the fan and lights, we remember them.’
For families living in poor conditions, this project has not only given them access to clean energy. It has helped children to study with ease. It has allowed women to feel safer at home. And it has meant that the savings in energy costs can be redirected to other essentials like healthcare, education and improving living conditions.
For Vilas, energy costs through traditional sources had become prohibitive. ‘I was unable to pay the electricity bill, which is why they cut off the power from our house. But today, due to solar lights, we have this facility. We will no longer have any tension about paying the electricity bill.’
The Saur Urja project has not only provided clean energy, but also contributes to climate action through safe, greener and sustainable energy for generations to come. And for Pravin, the difference this project has made is simple, but clear: ‘We used to live in the darkness. But now we live surrounded by lights.’