Simari village, which has 53 homes and a population of 347, and one-half of which lies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), is now completely electrified with solar energy courtesy of a joint initiative of the Indian Army and a Pune-based NGOread moreIn a breakthrough for green energy at India’s frontiers, a remote village on the Line of Control in Kashmir’s Karnah Valley has become a model for decentralised, sustainable electrification.Simari village, which has 53 homes and a population of 347, used to rely heavily on firewood and kerosene, but chronic power shortages affected health, education, and livelihoods.It has been learnt that through a joint initiative between the Indian Army and Aseem Foundation, the hamlet is now completely electrified with solar energy. Each household also has an LPG connection.AdvertisementTogether, these two developments have made for a long stride toward energy equity and climate resilience in a conflict-prone region.How did this change come about?Under the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, a micro-grid-based solar power system was installed in four clusters, each outfitted with panels, inverters, and batteries. Every household received LED lighting, charging points, and safety limiters— bringing predictable, sustainable energy to one of India’s most isolated settlements.Complementing the electricity upgrade, an LPG distribution program equipped every home with double-burner gas stoves, regulators, and safety gear. The switch from biomass to clean cooking has reduced indoor air pollution, improved health, and reduced the environmental degradation caused by firewood harvesting.More from India
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Solar surge in Simari: Village divided by LoC charts a new path to green energy
