When floods knocked out power across several villages in Assam’s Sivasagar district, thousands of residents were left unable to contact family, relief groups or emergency services. Young innovator Abhijeet Dowarah stepped into that gap by installing free solar-powered mobile charging stations in nearly 10 flood-hit villages, restoring a vital line of communication while the grid remained down for days.
Using his technical skills and personal resources, Dowarah designed portable solar charging units that villagers can use at no cost. He initially travelled between hamlets on his motorcycle carrying a single portable charger, helping people charge phones for two to three hours at a time. “I travelled from one flood-affected village to another on my motorcycle carrying a portable solar charger,” he said, adding that donations from local supporters allowed him to build and install several permanent units.
The charging stations have allowed residents to call relatives, contact NGOs and coordinate with volunteers and emergency responders-contacts that were impossible while phones remained dead. Gyandeep, a resident of Nimaijan village, said there had been no power for nearly 10 days and called the station “extremely useful during emergencies.” Another villager, Debojit Boruah, said the initiative had helped reconnect hundreds of people with aid groups and services, and that the community was grateful for the support.
Dowarah’s work goes beyond mobile charging. He has also created a solar-powered flood route indicator from discarded materials to help mark submerged roads and improve safety for people navigating floodwaters. He runs regular workshops for students, encouraging them to apply science and technology to solve local problems and develop practical innovations.
The effort underscores how simple, low-cost technology-deployed quickly and locally-can make a tangible difference during disasters when conventional infrastructure fails. Dowarah, who has previously developed several grassroots devices, says these community solutions strengthen resilience during recovery. For many residents across Upper Assam, the solar charging stations have become more than a source of power; they are a lifeline and a symbol of hope as villages rebuild.
Original Source: https://news.abplive.com/cities/assam-floods-when-power-failed-innovation-took-over-abhijeet-dowarah-solar-charging-stations-1859470
Category: Cities
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Publish Date: 2026-07-30 13:50:00
