Interest in DEO stems from an analysis of lack of access to energy needs in the adivasi areas, which are remote and out of the mainstream. Some parts of adivasi areas are outside the reach of the electricity supply grid. Even those within the grid, are not assured of electricity on a regular basis: frequent breakdowns leave them without access to electricity in their villages. DEO, while rooted in renewables as a source of energy, also has the key dimension of local management of the energy generated, wherein there is no alienation between the producer and consumer of energy.

Why adivasi community?

In the project areas we are currently involved in promoting micro-hydro and solar energy initiatives.

Laya’s involvement with INECC had spurred a series of meetings and discussions on Climate Change and its relevance to the adivasi context. In 2006 as an outcome of a workshop on DEO and adivasi communities in the Eastern Ghats held at Visakhapatnam, a DEO Action Committee was formed as a part of INECC. We undertook as part of the network activity, to do feasibility studies for DEOs in the adivasi belt of the Eastern Ghats region comprising four States: Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The overall feasibility report is due in early 2008.

Because…

	It is crucial to facilitate access to energy to these communities which experience a high degree of marginalisation;
	The concept of community with collective decision making processes is still prevalent in adivasi areas; community control of DEOs is likely to be more workable in adivasi areas;
	It could arrest out-migration if enhanced livelihood opportunities are created;
	Relevance to sustainable development can be demonstrated by appropriate use of natural resources and control over the process of energy generation.