Indian Army Brings Solar Power To Simari Village In LoC – OpEd

In the heart of Kashmir’s rugged Karnah Valley, near the strategically sensitive Line of Control (LoC), lies the remote village of Simari. Until recently, this village was emblematic of the hardships faced by countless isolated communities across India’s frontier regions—frequent power outages, reliance on firewood and kerosene, and daily disruptions impacting education, health, and livelihoods. Yet today, Simari is a beacon of sustainable development and national resilience, thanks to a pioneering solar electrification initiative jointly spearheaded by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps and Aseem Foundation.

What sets Simari apart is not merely its challenging geography or pristine beauty but rather the fact that this village lies right on the Line of Control, with one-half located across in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). With such historical and geopolitical significance, Simari also holds the distinction of being Polling Booth Number One in the entire country—signifying the enduring strength of India’s democratic fabric, even in its most remote and sensitive corners.

Recognising the gravity of the challenges faced by Simari’s 347 residents in 53 homes, the Indian Army responded swiftly under Operation Sadbhavana, launching an ambitious renewable energy and LPG distribution project. The village was strategically divided into four micro-grid clusters, each equipped with solar panels, inverters, battery systems, and robust electrical infrastructure, ensuring consistent power availability. LED lighting, electrical sockets, and safety limiters have transformed daily lives, enabling uninterrupted education for children and enhanced productivity for adults.

Complementing the electrification effort, the distribution of LPG connections—complete with double-burner gas stoves and essential safety equipment—has radically improved living conditions. The transition to clean cooking fuels has significantly alleviated health hazards previously associated with smoke from traditional cooking methods while markedly reducing environmental impact.

Integral to this project’s success has been the expertise and dedication of the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, responsible for meticulous planning, logistics, and field implementation, and the technical proficiency of Aseem Foundation engineers, who also imparted maintenance training to villagers, ensuring the sustainability of this initiative.

This transformative development has been poignantly dedicated to Colonel Santosh Mahadik, a valiant officer of the Indian Army who sacrificed his life in 2015 in counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir. Col Mahadik, honoured posthumously with the Shaurya Chakra, was deeply admired not only for his bravery but also for his profound commitment to uplifting local communities.

The dedication ceremony, attended by Col Mahadik’s mother, the Commander of Tangdhar Brigade, and the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, resonates deeply with the themes of sacrifice, governance, and inclusive development. It reflects the convergence of military, civilian administration, and community in building resilient infrastructure at the nation’s most sensitive frontiers.

The story of Simari village encapsulates India’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive development, highlighting how strategic national security efforts and community welfare initiatives can effectively converge. More than just electricity and clean cooking fuel, Simari now signifies hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a nation determined to empower even its remote frontier villages.