Project Overview
VIBHA project brings sustainable solar energy access to off-grid communities in Ghoramara Island, one of the Sundarbans' most climate-vulnerable regions. Families here rely on kerosene for lighting, trapping them in cycles of indoor air pollution, health risks, and energy poverty. Rising sea levels threaten the island's survival. VIBHA combines technology with community ownership to transform this reality. Through household solar systems, streetlights, and locally-managed repair units, the project empowers 5,570 people to transition from kerosene dependence to clean energy while creating new livelihoods and building adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.

Key Components:

• Installation of 380 household solar electrification systems across 7 villages
• Deployment of 170 solar streetlights improving safety, mobility and community resilience
• Establishment of 2 community-based solar repair units managed by trained women technicians
• Formation of 70-member Solar User Group representing women, youth and elderly for governance and decision making
• Training of 70 women in solar maintenance and entrepreneurship
• Training of 35 youth in long-term monitoring and sustainability

Impact So Far:

• Baseline survey completed across all 7 villages of Ghoramara, establishing pre-intervention benchmarks for energy access and household conditions.
• 380 solar home systems and 170 solar streetlights successfully installed across 7 villages of the island.
• 2 Solar Repair Units fully functional at Rayapara and Mandirtala village manged by 10 trained women from the community.
• 105 women and youth trained in solar O & M and Repair for long term sustainability of the installed systems and for new livelihood opportunities is solar entrepreneurship.

Vision:

Through VIBHA, SEED envisions a future where Ghoramara Island has shifted from kerosene dependence to community-owned solar energy. Households will spend less on energy and more on health, education and livelihood. Women will earn income as solar technicians and entrepreneurs. Children will study longer with clearer minds and healthier bodies. The island will demonstrate that climate-vulnerable communities can build their own energy futures when given the right support and opportunity.