Solar energy would not only power lamps but would also ensure drinking water in the Maoist-infested pockets in Chhattisgarh.

The state government had selected 1722 hamlets where water pumps operated by the solar energy would be installed to provide pure drinking water to the people. The hamlets are across the 10 districts of the state; mostly in the red zone. A high level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Sunil Kumar on Tuesday approved the proposal for the installing solar energy water pumps. This would in fact be a New Year gift for the people in the insurgency hit areas of the state.