For 12 remote villages near China border, power is finally in sight

PITHORAGARH: For the first time since Independence, grid electricity is set to reach 12 remote migratory villages in Uttarakhand's Johar Valley near the India-China border. Residents and ITBP personnel stationed in the high-altitude region, who relied on kerosene lamps, solar lanterns and small diesel generators for nearly eight decades, will soon have access to grid power.Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) has laid a 12km power line up to Rasgadi, located around 50km from the border by road and 17km by air, with nearby Bugdiyar also expected to be electrified soon. The two migratory villages have a combined seasonal population of around 180, with residents moving to lower valleys during winter and returning in summer.Villagers use solar lanterns at night. Some families have solar lights, while others depend on small diesel generators, but these are insufficient," resident Ram Singh said.