Maharashtra’s Singapur village leads solar revolution in rural development

Nestled in the Sahyadri ranges near the historic Naneghat pass, the small tribal village of Singapur in Maharashtra’s Thane district is emerging as a model for sustainable rural development through the adoption of solar energy, water-efficient agriculture and digital infrastructure, officials said on Monday.

Located in the rugged Daryaghat region of Murbad taluka (a taluka is an administrative subdivision of a district, usually comprising several villages), the village’s remote and hilly terrain has traditionally posed challenges to development. However, Singapur has turned these constraints into opportunities by embracing renewable energy and sustainable farming practices.

The village has adopted solar-powered systems and drip irrigation to support agricultural activities, significantly improving water efficiency and productivity. The gram panchayat is now working towards installing solar panels in every household , with the aim of making Singapur self-reliant in energy and a replicable model of green development across the state, officials said.

With a population of 957, Singapur, often noted for the similarity of its name to Singapore, has also enhanced its green cover through bamboo plantations , which provide raw material for the local economy while promoting environmental sustainability.

Education infrastructure in the village has seen a major transformation. All four Zilla Parishad primary schools and four anganwadi centres have been fully digitised. Students now study in computer-equipped classrooms , with CCTV surveillance installed to ensure safety and effective monitoring.

During a recent visit, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Ranjit Yadav praised the village’s progress, highlighting its focus on good governance, innovation and community participation.

“We want to create a village with good governance that can serve as a model for the entire state,” a gram panchayat representative said.

Singapur has also received several awards for its scenic beauty, water quality and effective water management , further underscoring its success in integrating development with environmental conservation, a Zilla Parishad official added.