Koraput (Orissa), June 13 (ANI): A self-help group is training the tribes in Orissa to construct and operate electricity plant.

The villagers of Bodomonjari in Koraput district have long lived in darkness, but now they have built up a hydroelectric power station with the support of a self-help group called 'All India Backward class village development organisation.'

They even have taken the management of the project into their hands.

"Initially the project was started under the guidance of the organisation but now villagers with their hard work know how to manage the electricity plant. Now the project belongs to the villagers only," said Hanak Tandi, Member Of Project Committee.

"We provided material like iron, cement and other equipment for the construction of the power plant. All the construction work was done by the villagers. They did not ask for any wage in return. I believe it is more than 3 lakhs now," he added.

The main source of livelihood for the villagers is agriculture. As there was no electricity available, villagers could grow just one crop per year.

But now with the help of hydro -electric plant they can grow three crops in a year.

The plant provides electricity to every household in the village, and children are very exited with this.

"We never thought that electricity would come in our village. We have got many benefits from it. We are 60 kilometers from Similiguda. Now with the electricity our kids are able to study," said Madhusudan Tandi, a local resident.

Villagers contribute 20 rupees per month for the project management which is deposited in the bank. This amount will be used to meet the repairing expenses.

Presently, the project generates around 30 kilowatt of electricity out of which villagers are using 10 kilowatt. By: - Sharda (ANI)