For the first time since Independence, homes in the remote tribal hamlet of Modela in Velerupadu mandal of Eluru district have been electrified, marking a historic milestone for its residents.

The forest village, home to 23 families belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, had lived without electricity for generations, relying on oil lamps and firewood for lighting. This changed with the installation of a 5 kVA solar microgrid system under the PM JANMAN programme, which has now provided power to every household in the hamlet.

The project was implemented under the supervision of Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, in coordination with the district administration. Officials said the initiative has significantly improved daily life in Modela, enabling children to study after sunset while also enhancing safety and overall convenience for residents.

Villagers recalled that the entire hamlet stayed awake on the first night electricity was switched on, with children excitedly moving from house to house to see electric bulbs glowing for the first time.

Commission Member Jatothu Hussain later visited the village and drew attention to the absence of basic infrastructure, following which District Collector K Vetri Selvi directed officials to take immediate steps to address long-pending civic issues.

As a mark of gratitude, villagers subsequently visited the Eluru Collectorate to felicitate Joint Collector Dr M J Abhishek Gowda and Superintending Engineer (Electricity) Salman Raju for their role in bringing power to the hamlet.

Villager K Mukka Reddy said the arrival of solar electricity was an unforgettable moment for the tribal families, ending decades of isolation and darkness in the village.