Centre for Social Action through its partner organization Amardeep Charitable Trust, works with the tribal communities of Raigad and creates opportunities for them to live a life of dignity and hope. A tribal village that falls under the Mangaon Taluka of Raigad district and one of the work areas of Amardeep has had its own set of challenges like no proper pathway, no electricity, lack of livelihood, no water, etc.

Looking at these challenges, Centre for Social Action felt that there was a need for a consistent power source which could take care of the livelihood needs of the village.  They approached IEEE, short for Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers and under their IEEE Smart Village Project (ISV) applied for setting up a solar power unit in the village.

The ISV project aims to harness solar energy for this village. The power generated will be used to pump water from well to overhead tank of village connecting to community tap. Power will also be used to run equipment like projector and computer in digital literacy class for children of the village. Later stage the power will also be utilized to run a grain-grinding machine (livelihood project) to provide service within the village along with employment generation.

On November 7, 2020 there was an orientation for the villagers ahead of the actual installation, sensitizing them about following all COVID safety precautions during installation. The installation began on November 9, 2020. The villagers were distributed masks and sanitizers so that they could be safe. Villagers also stayed back and did not go to the fields or attend other work so that they could help the installation team with unloading and offering other help. By the end of day, the villagers and the installation team managed to dig ground for rooting the pillars for the structure by the next day they completed creating the frame to hold the solar panels. On November 11, 2020, the installation of the solar panels was complete. The villagers also helped in building the space to install inverter & battery cabinet. The installation team finished connecting the solar panels and the power back-up (inverter and battery cabinet) on November 12, 2020 and tested it by powering up a light bulb through solar energy.

The solar installation has helped villagers overcome a big barrier. As the village has geographical constraints, this installation will help ease their struggle of getting water, as well as create an economical system for grinding their pulses and grains. Apart from this, Villagers have also got a safe and comfortable space for conducting their village meeting and teaching sessions for children.