Baramulla, September 16: The Indian Army’s 52 Rashtriya Rifles on Wednesday conducted the second phase of solar light distribution under Operation Sadhbhavana at Butapathri in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The initiative is part of the Army’s effort to provide solar lighting to Gujjar-Bakarwal Dhoks in the Kandi area, where access to conventional electricity remains limited. The programme aims to improve basic living conditions for families and provide children with better opportunities to study after sunset.
During the second phase, 137 solar lights were distributed, with one light provided to each family. The beneficiaries included Gujjar-Bakarwal families living in and around Butapathri, Sochalpathri, Atar and Arian Dhoks.
Around 160 local residents, including women, children and elderly people, participated in the programme.
Second Phase Follows Distribution to 100 Families
The latest distribution follows the first phase held at the Nagin Dhok complex, where the Army provided solar lights to 100 families.
For residents of these remote settlements, where regular electricity connections are largely unavailable, the solar lights are expected to support several daily needs.
Apart from providing illumination after sunset, the lights can help children study in the evening and allow families to charge mobile phones and carry out basic household activities.
Army Interacts With Gujjar-Bakarwal Community
The programme also provided an opportunity for Army personnel to interact with members of the Gujjar-Bakarwal community.
During the interaction, residents discussed their traditional way of life, seasonal movement patterns and the challenges they face while living in remote and difficult terrain.
The discussions also covered issues such as adverse weather conditions, limited road and track connectivity and other administrative difficulties faced by families in the area.
Residents Welcome Solar Lighting Initiative
The initiative received a positive response from the local community, with residents expressing appreciation for the support.
Locals said the availability of solar lighting would make daily life easier, particularly for children who need a reliable source of light for studying after sunset.
The programme also provided an opportunity for greater interaction between the Army and residents of the remote settlements.
Army Expands Outreach Under Operation Sadhbhavana
The solar-lighting initiative is part of the Indian Army’s wider outreach activities under Operation Sadhbhavana, which focuses on supporting communities living in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The 52 Rashtriya Rifles is working to extend solar lighting to more Dhoks in the Kandi area, with the initiative aimed at improving access to basic lighting and making everyday life more convenient for families living away from conventional power infrastructure.
