FCC

Brick kiln workers in UP to transition to solar energy

2024-08-19

In the flatlands of western Uttar Pradesh, solar energy is quietly transforming the lives of brick kiln workers. Once reliant on coal and diesel, eight brick kilns in Aligarh district's Kodiaganj, Pilakhana, and Akrabad have switched to solar panels, marking a significant shift in an industry known for its high pollution levels. This transition, though covering only a small fraction of the district's 555 kilns, signals a promising start.

Om Prakash Sharma, a brick kiln owner, invested Rs 700,000 to install 16 solar panels, generating enough power to run the kiln's operations and provide electricity to the workers' huts. This move saves him about Rs 50,000 monthly. For workers like Kalavati, who migrated from Bihar, the change has brought unexpected benefits, including reliable lighting and the ability to charge mobile phones?luxuries previously out of reach.

The impact extends beyond convenience. Anil, an 18-year-old worker, now studies at night, aiming to complete his Class 10 exams, while others report feeling safer from wildlife due to better lighting. The shift to solar energy has also sparked a sense of environmental responsibility among kiln owners like Sudhir Gupta, who installed panels to reduce reliance on coal and diesel, addressing air pollution issues in the region.

Despite the challenges of extreme heat, which can make even fan-assisted cooling unbearable, the adoption of solar power represents a significant improvement in the workers' quality of life. As solar panels become more common, even among workers' homes, there is hope that with more support, this green energy revolution can expand, offering better living and working conditions for many more in the region.

(ET)