Pune district is set to solarise approximately 3,300 anganwadis under the Rs 100 million ‘Harit Anganwadi’ scheme, designed to provide uninterrupted electricity and reduce power expenses across early education centres. The project, funded through the District Planning Committee and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, reinforces the region’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Currently, around 1,100 anganwadis are already equipped with operational solar units. The new phase aims to cover the remaining 2,200 centres, with 985 to be funded by the district’s planning body and the rest supported through CSR initiatives.

Each solar installation, costing roughly Rs 100,000, will offer reliable daytime lighting—particularly vital for rural anganwadis that suffer frequent outages due to inadequate grid connectivity and dependence on local panchayat power sources.

Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil noted that this transition to solar energy will ensure smooth operations in anganwadis, which play a key role in delivering early education, nutrition, and health services. These services are often interrupted by inconsistent electricity supply, particularly in remote locations.

The scheme falls under the District Planning Committee’s mandate, which allocates 3 per cent of its annual budget to women and child welfare. By integrating public and private resources, the ‘Harit Anganwadi’ project seeks to make every centre energy-resilient.

This initiative not only promotes clean energy but also supports inclusive development by strengthening grassroots infrastructure for children. It reflects Pune’s broader commitment to fusing sustainability with community-focused welfare programmes.