Odisha Chief Minister unveils ‘Solar Power Cart’

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: Based on a trolley (3-wheeler) this new innovation of a Solar Power Cart “Soura Ratha” can produce up to 1KW green energy which will provide hassle free power supply in emergency situations. On the eve of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Day and Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day, the first prototype of the Soura Ratha is publicly displayed at the Exhibition unveiled by the Chief Minister Mr. Naveen Patnaik here on Thursday.

It is noted that during disaster, once charged, this innovation can provide emergency energy for continuous 72 hours. Designed technically to serve at the cyclone shelter centres, it is well equipped and first of its kind innovation. Being conceptualised and developed by Practical Action Foundation in collaboration with Climate Parliament and with support from OREDA and OSDMA. The senior officials from state administration appreciated the initiative during their visit today and this may be considered for a larger level implementation in the state. This has technically been designed to be stationed at Cyclone Shelter centres which the government can plan to take it forward.

“Accessing energy and power for basic needs like charging mobiles or emergency lights or using water pumps for water was always a challenge post disaster. Even during Phailin in 2013, there was complete power back-out in most of the places in Ganjam District for more than a week. To address this issue and to be well prepared before disaster, this new innovation will be much helpful and ideal,” addeds Mr Sanjit Behera, Energy Expert from Practical Action.

In addition this Solar Power cart has additional features such as the movability is not dependent on any fuel and it’s a hand pulled cart easily installed and can also be dismantled as and when required. This is a compact solution loaded with appliances and can provide services like Illumination, water pumping, charging of mobiles, laptops and charge lights etc. This has an indigenous and futuristic design which can work both in Solar and grid power. “Though it has scope to further modification, but it is of low cost looking at its usage and needs easy maintenance,” said Mr Behera from Practical Action.