The Government is planning to set up 10,000 solar-based water systems in 78 districts of the states affected by Left wing extremism.

Rural Development minister Jairam Ramesh said this will meet the drinking water needs of people living there. Addressing a conference in New Delhi today, Mr. Ramesh said it is a very ambitious project and the government will fund 540 crores rupees.

He said that it is for the first time that the ministry has taken the programme to address the issue of renewable energy as there are villages and habitations which are not going to seek electricity in the near future due to a variety of reasons.

Mr. Ramesh said that the project marked the convergence of the twin aims of developing rural areas and promoting use of renewable energy. Later talking to reporters, the minister said that 200 water systems have already been installed in Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.