Adachiwadi’s solar script for rural India | Fusion - WeRIndia

Across India, small villages are quietly rewriting development models.

Just 250 km from Mumbai, Adachiwadi in Pune district proves that collective resolve works.

In 2024, former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recognised it among Maharashtra’s cleanest and smartest villages.

Likewise, comparisons with Mawlynnong now feel natural.

Home to 1,500 residents across 179 families, the village runs on shared decisions. Every weekend, villagers deep-clean streets.

Moreover, they plan finances together. Solar power drives this ambition. So far, 68 houses run fully on solar energy. By March, all 179 homes will.

Each household paid ₹30,000, while subsidies covered the rest. The company charges ₹60,000 per kilowatt capacity. Even the gym, cremation ground lights, and panchayat office use solar panels.

Water management shows similar discipline. A 130-year-old well once defined the settlement. Today, that water flows through a smart purifier.

Families tap cards to draw five litres per ₹1. Consequently, wastage stays minimal. The gram panchayat uses collections for maintenance. At times, Adachiwadi supplies 75,000 litres daily to neighbouring villages.

Farming sustains livelihoods. Fig cultivation dominates. Each family exports 30 to 40 tonnes monthly. The fruit carries a GI tag, ensuring steady demand.

Additionally, villagers grow jowar, onions, and vegetables. They produce nearly 85 per cent of their needs locally.

Development also carries vision. A ₹6.5-crore eco-tourism proposal seeks forest gardens, homestays, and agro-tourism.

Pilgrims already halt here en route to the Khandoba Temple in Jejuri. Cleanliness attracts them.

Education reforms break taboos. Children attend evening study sessions at the cremation ground. Silence aids focus.

Elders supervise voluntarily. Meanwhile, CCTV cameras and community dialogue keep crime at zero.

Recently, the village built Maharashtra’s first concrete paayvaat, named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. CSR funds supported the project. All 15 roads now undergo concretisation.

Adachiwadi’s story is not about wealth. Instead, it reflects intent. When leadership meets participation, even a tiny hamlet can engineer lasting change.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on March 01, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/903928