Indian Army Commissions Solar Power Plant in North Sikkim Border Village

The Indian Army has commissioned a 10 kW solar power plant in Muguthang village in North Sikkim, bringing round-the-year electricity to one of India’s highest and most remote border settlements near the India–China frontier.

Located at an altitude of around 15,000 feet, Muguthang is home to 10 families with a population of 32 residents. The project was executed by the Army’s Trishakti Corps with the objective of improving basic infrastructure and enhancing living conditions in the strategically sensitive region.

Until now, villagers depended on small, individual solar panels that provided limited power, particularly during the harsh winter months. The lack of reliable electricity forced residents to migrate for nearly five to six months every year. With the commissioning of the centralized solar power plant, the village now has access to continuous and dependable electricity, enabling residents to remain in their homes throughout the year.

The initiative forms part of the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and connectivity in border villages to prevent depopulation and ensure sustainable development in remote areas.

Army officials said the solar solution was selected after consultations with local residents to address their specific challenges posed by extreme weather and difficult terrain. The new power facility is expected to significantly improve quality of life by enabling better lighting, communication, and overall safety in the village.

The project underscores the Indian Army’s broader role in community development alongside national security, while also highlighting the growing use of renewable energy solutions to support civilian populations in high-altitude and border regions.