A group of college students installed solar-powered appliances which they had assembled at an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centre in Howrah’s Domjur on Saturday.
The 19 students, of whom 11 were women, had been trained since February, under a pilot project of Pratichi Trust, in assembling everyday electrical appliances such as a light, Copenhagen solar cooker, fan and a water filter.
On Saturday, all four appliances were put to use after they were installed at the Munshidanga Purba Sardarpara ICDS Centre.
Partha Sarathi Majumder, a visiting professor of physics at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science and one of those who trained the students, said the appliances were made at a cost far less than the market price. Two rooftop solar panels, he said, have been fitted to run the appliances.
“Most of the young people trained are not even science students, but they showed a keen interest in learning these things. They learnt everything from scrath and have been able to make these appliances. They have also realised the worth of solar power,” said Majumdar.
Sabir Ahamed, research coordinator with Pratichi Trust, said the project would help reduce emission of greenhouse gases and provide self-employment opportunities to the students.
“These students can now make such appliances on their own. We will try to do something to ensure the training does not end with the installation at the ICDS centre,” he said. The students, too, are keen to take the project forward. Fahija Khatun, a second-year student and one of the trainees, said they could make all the equipment on their own if the parts were available.