Guwahati: Six villages in Mizoram’s Dampa landscape have received solar-powered mobile charging stations, providing communities with a practical source of power during outages while promoting renewable energy in the forest-fringe region.
The charging stations were inaugurated at Damparengpui on September 8 during a stakeholder meeting organised by biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with Conservation Mizoram, the state’s Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, village councils and local community organisations.
About 100 people, including community leaders, government officials, researchers, school staff and residents from the six villages, attended the programme.
H.T. Lalremsanga, Head of the Department of Zoology at Mizoram University and chief guest at the event, inaugurated the stations in the presence of Aaranyak’s Assistant Director for Tiger Research and Conservation Division Dipankar Lahkar, BSF officer V.L.K. Vaiphei and representatives of the participating villages.
Lalremsanga said the region’s abundant sunlight makes solar power a practical and sustainable option for rural communities. He also pointed to the potential for ecotourism in villages around Dampa Tiger Reserve, citing their natural heritage and proximity to Aizawl.
He urged communities to combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihood opportunities and responsible use of local resources.
For residents living along the reserve’s fringes, the initiative addresses a basic but important need. Damparengpui village council president Lalrinkimi Apeto said the charging stations would be particularly useful during power cuts and emergencies.
She also highlighted the economic challenges faced by forest-fringe communities, where dependence on forest resources remains high. Better livelihood opportunities and access to essential services, she said, could help reduce pressure on forests while encouraging greater community participation in conservation.
The initiative brings together Aaranyak, Conservation Mizoram, government agencies and community organisations including the Young Mizo Association, Young Chakma Association, Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl and Chakma Mahila Samity.
The programme was chaired by Aaranyak Liaison Officer C. Vanlalrema, with Dipankar Lahkar and Joyason Chakma providing coordination and technical guidance.