Express News Service By

KENDRAPARA:It is common knowledge that present lifestyle is technology driven. Now, it has penetrated the tradition and practice of social functions also.

In the sea erosion-hit villages of Satabhaya panchayat in Kendrapara district, solar power operated gadgets are high in demand during marriage as the area is yet to get electricity supply.

Two years back, some voluntary organisations provided solar lanterns free of cost to the villagers. Later, many villagers purchased solar panels to use electrical items. The parents also started demanding solar panels and stoves as dowry, said Sarpanch of Satabhaya panchayat Nigamananda Rout.

Bharat Mallick of Satabhaya said a solar panel with a battery for use of television costs between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000 while the price of a solar stove is Rs 12,000 and a solar panel to operate it costs Rs 5,000. “My father-in-law gave me a solar panel, solar stove and a television set during my marriage,” said Sangram Behera of Satabhaya. Around 70 youth, who married in the last two years, have received solar lights from their in-laws.

Around 3,000 villagers of Satabhaya, Kanhupur, Rabindrapalli and Barahapur are yet to have power supply. Collector Debraj Senapati said during the last few decades, the sea has been crawling menacingly towards Satabhaya panchayat and, as a result, most of the agricultural land and several houses have been wiped out. The district administration has no plan to supply power to Satabhaya panchayat because of sea erosion.