Around 30 homes on Gharapuri Island or Elephanta Island, heaved a sigh of relief on Monday, when Metropolitan Commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Ratnakar Gaikwad, launched a unique solar lighting project at Morabandar, a remote hamlet of about 30 homes on the island.
Besides Gaikwad, Steve Waters, Australian Consul General in India, Kylie Bell, Investment Commissioner and Kala Anand, Business Development Manager of Australian Trade Commission in India, Rohit Manchanda, Director Trade and Investment, New South Wale’s Government, Khimji, Pathan, Anirudha of Solar Gem, Dr. Rajendra Jagdale and Sharad Pustake of Science and Technology Park, also attended the launch. Commenting on the occasion, Gaikwad said, “These lights will work even if there’s a heavy cloud cover for almost five days.”
While Sharda, a villager and a housewife said, “We are really excited with this solar power system. We can now do everything with ease.” “Our children can now study in the night, and we can now cook food using electricity. This is a beautiful gift for us from the state,” said Sunita, another villager.