Bihar’s Solar Street Light Initiative: Illuminating Villages and Promoting Sustainability

The Bihar government is implementing the Chief Minister Rural Solar Street Light Scheme as part of its good governance programs. This initiative aims to light up villages, conserve the environment, and create a clean, safe, and self-reliant rural environment through modern technology. A key feature is the centralized monitoring system developed by BREDA, which facilitates immediate identification and maintenance of faulty lights, enhancing monitoring effectiveness and work efficiency. Agencies are required to repair lights within 72 hours of a fault being reported, with penalties for delays. The third phase of the scheme has encountered challenges, with show-cause notices issued to 17 agencies for non-compliance with timelines and contractual obligations. The Department of Panchayati Raj has mandated that agencies complete installation and maintenance within 90 days of receiving work orders. To improve accountability and public utility, service stations will be established for every ten thousand solar street lights. A dedicated WhatsApp number will be displayed on each pole, enabling residents to report issues directly.