New Delhi, Aug 14 (KNN) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will distribute renewable energy devices like unnat chulhas, solar cookers, solar lamps and solar home lighting systems to rural and tribal population by using the funds of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

In order to provide clean cooking and lighting benefits to rural and tribal population living in forest fringes and protected areas, the ministry has taken up the programme for intensive distribution of renewable energy devices.

Now this programme has been included in the definition of forest protection and conservation measures and management of notified forest and protected areas.

A cumulative of not less than 70 per cent of funds utilised and earmarked under the Net Present Value (NPV) component are to be used for the core activities, which could be earmarked for distribution of renewable devices in areas covering national parks, sanctuaries and reserve forests.

In this regard the states and union territories have been requested to indicate their targets for distribution of unnat chulhas, solar cookers, solar lamps, and solar home lighting systems in forest fringes and protected areas for the next five years to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

CAMPA has already issued circular providing guidelines for utilisation of funds to the state governments and union territories regarding the programme. (KNN Bureau)