Vendors in the markets of Bhopal in northern India have traditionally hired kerosene lamps, or used electric lamps powered by diesel generators, to light their wares. These are expensive and, in the case of the kerosene lamps, polluting.
Madhya Pradesh Gramin Vikas Mandal (MPGVM) has brought the option of solar lanterns that provide a cleaner, cheaper and safer source of light.
MPGVM delivers the lanterns to the market stalls and street hawers each evening, and collects them again at around 11.00pm for recharging. The idea has been widely welcomed. With their wares being better lit, the vendors are selling more products and they don’t have to spend so much money on hiring lights or buying kerosene.