Joint initiative to boost Keran village’s infrastructure
Kupwara, Oct 19: In a endeavor to transform border villages into self-reliant and sustainable communities, Army in collaboration with the ASEEM Foundation and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, inaugurated Project Roshni under the Vibrant Village Programme in the remote border village of Keran.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chinta Devi, Veer Nari and wife of Late Nb Sub Chuni Lal, AC (P), VrC, SM, one of the most decorated soldiers of the Army. Her presence symbolised courage, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between the nation and its defenders, said a statement.
Implemented under the aegis of the 6 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion / 268 Infantry Brigade / 28 Infantry Division, the project is built on three key pillars of development including clean energy, clean fuel, and clean water thereby marking a new dawn for the people of Keran.
Under the Clean Energy Initiative, ASEEM Foundation solarized nine clusters comprising 107 households. Each home has been equipped with solar panels, batteries, inverters, LED bulbs, and power sockets, ensuring uninterrupted renewable electricity. This will not only brighten homes but also enable students to continue their studies during long winter nights often marred by power cuts.
As part of the Clean Fuel Initiative, 40 households have been provided with LPG connections, complete with double-burner stoves, regulators, and safety kits, a move that reduces dependence on firewood, protects the environment, and improves family health through clean, smoke-free cooking.
In the Clean Water segment, a 2,000-litre-per-day water filtration plant, developed in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), has been installed. Supported by dual storage tanks and an uninterrupted supply system, it provides safe and pure drinking water, a long-awaited relief for the residents.
To further enhance safety and aesthetics, 90 solar-powered street lights have been installed along the Kishanganga River by the Rural Development Department. These lights not only illuminate Keran’s pathways but also add to the region’s charm, promoting eco-tourism in the picturesque valley.
Expressing gratitude, a local community leader said, “We are deeply thankful to the Indian Army and ASEEM Foundation for bringing light, hope, and development to our remote village. Project Roshni has shown us that even in the farthest corners, progress can shine bright.”
The ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries, including the President of ASEEM Foundation and the Commander, 268 Infantry Brigade, reaffirming the shared vision of civil-military partnership and national integration.
Project Roshni stands not merely as a development initiative but as a beacon of hope, a living testament to India’s commitment to empowering its border villages, fostering sustainability, and illuminating every home with the light of progress and pride.
