Integrated community development

Apraava Energy has undertaken an integrated project around its Clean Solar Renewables Energy, Divine Solren and Veltoor plants in Telangana. It is aimed at skill development, education and water conservation. Youth in these areas have a need to increase their skills and hence Apraava Energy has setup computer courses that helps them get employment opportunities and advance their careers. Women in these areas don’t have many options to work and therefore are involved in bidi making or work in quarries. This leads to several health problems. For such women, advanced tailoring and embroidery courses are held to give them an alternative source of income.

To increase the availability of water in these regions tank de-siltation, construction of farm ponds, etc are undertaken. Water purification plants have also been set up to make available clean drinking water for all in the community.

Meeting energy needs of villages through solar 

Access to sustainable energy is a critical catalyst to enable village communities to have access to better health, livelihoods, education and increase in the standard of living. It is with this goal that Apraava in partnership with SELCO Foundation supports the solar electrification of rural communities through its integrated model village program. As part of this program, model villages are created with sustainable energy as the main cornerstone. These have been done with equal participation from local stakeholders. Panchayats, primary health centers, hostels, anganwadis, schools and houses have been solar electrified. Solar streetlights have been installed and lights have been put in common spaces. Solar electrification has also helped in livelihood generation by using solar power for sewing, photocopy machines, roti making machines and fridges. Schools have also been provided with digital education for the benefit of students who wouldn’t have access to these otherwise. There is reduced CO2 emissions in all these villages due to the use of renewable energy. 

Ensuring holistic development of communities 

There is an integrated project at Sakri for the overall development of the community. This includes work in the area of water security. Several water management activities are conducted such as water budgeting, strengthening of water resources, water shed treatments, etc. The livelihoods of the farmers are also enhanced through various training and on field support of agro-advisory services. There are farmer field schools which provides in-depth training to the farmers on various topics to increase their yield and income and link them to government schemes.  The education system in these areas is being developed by strengthening the infrastructure in schools and anganwadis and activating the parent-teacher association.