A remote hamlet nestled inside the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, which has remained without electrification even after 79 years of Independence, has now been provided with solar lighting systems under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, at a cost of ₹23 lakh.

Malliamman Durgham, under Guthiyalathur panchayat in the Kadambur Hills of Sathyamangalam Panchayat Union, is accessible only after traversing nearly nine kilometres of rugged terrain through forests. The hamlet, home to 159 families, has witnessed large-scale migration over the years owing to the lack of roads, electricity, dependable livelihoods, and healthcare facilities. While many families moved to Kadambur and nearby plains, around 90 families continue to reside in the village, relying on small landholdings where millets are cultivated.

1974 forest fire

Residents recalled that the hamlet first received electricity in 1972, when three street lights were installed. However, a forest fire in 1974 destroyed the wooden electricity poles, plunging the village back into darkness. In 2018, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited installed 123 automatic solar lighting systems in households, enabling residents to operate two electric bulbs. Within a few years, however, the batteries and bulbs became defunct, forcing villagers once again to depend on kerosene lanterns.

“This is the only village without electricity in the district,” said S. Subramanian, a resident of the hamlet. Officials said the Electricity Board is currently in the process of obtaining forest clearance for installing electric poles and providing conventional electrification to the village.

Meanwhile, under the project titled ‘Surya-Olirum Malliamman Durgham’, solar lighting facilities have now been provided to 90 households at an estimated cost of ₹23 lakh. The initiative, which had been under planning for the past two years, was formally completed on May 13, 2026. Installation work was carried out over five days from May 9, following which the systems were handed over to the respective households.

Under the scheme, each household received a 300-watt solar panel, a 45 Ah battery, five electric lights, and a mobile phone charging facility. The project also covered isolated houses located along the forest fringes adjoining the village.

Funds for the initiative were mobilised through contributions from Akshya Solutions, represented by I.B. Harikrishna, Besmak Components Private Limited, Inovance Technology Private Limited, Pteris Global Integrated Solution India Private Limited, and the management of Bannari Amman Institute of Technology. The funds were channelled through Tree People Trust for the procurement of solar panels, batteries, and lighting equipment. Implementation was coordinated jointly by members of the Youth Red Cross (YRC) of the institute and volunteers.

Improved visibility

Residents said inadequate lighting had earlier made movement within the village difficult at night. They added that the new lighting facilities had improved visibility across the settlement and created a conducive environment for children to study after sunset. Villagers described the project as a significant improvement to their quality of life.

The initiative follows a similar project implemented in May 2024 in Kathirimalai under Bargur panchayat in Anthiyur taluk, where solar lighting facilities were installed in 85 houses at an estimated cost of ₹25 lakh.