18 July:The kerosene lanterns in the rural areas will be replaced on large scale soon. A solar lantern, which is commonly used for lighting purposes, can save about 50 liters of kerosene in a year by replacing a kerosene lanterns.
Addressing leading solar lantern manufacturers of the sector at the ministry today, Shri Vilas Muttemwar, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy discussed the expansion plans for large scale introduction of solar lanterns for replacing kerosene in the rural areas.He explained that the better quality of light of a solar lantern would also help the children in their education and encourage productive works apart from avoiding health hazards associated with the poor quality light and the pollution due to burning of kerosene. The Government can save kerosene subsidy by providing solar lanterns, he added.
The representatives of the industry assured that the Indian photovoltaic industry is fully geared to take up this challenge. The industry can supply up to 4 million solar lanterns in a year and is totally committed to support the initiatives taken by the Ministry in this regard. Various issues relating to manufacturing, distribution, after sale services and product quality etc. were also discussed. The representatives reaffirmed that the quality of the product developed in the country has better quality of light and reliability. The switch over from kerosene lamp to solar lanterns by rural people will be very smooth.