A far-flung village on the Indo-China border in Ladakh, Urgo Phobrang, has achieved a new milestone with the inauguration of a 15kW solar power plant, officials said on Wednesday.
Located at an altitude of 14,500 feet in Leh district near Lukung on the way to Hot Springs, Phobrang is the last village on the Indo-China border. The project, implemented by the Himmotthan Society with support from funding partner HDFC Bank Parivartan, aims to provide reliable and eco-friendly electricity to the residents of Urgo village.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chushul Constituency Councillor Konchok Stanzin as Chief Guest. In his address, he underlined the vital role of renewable energy in improving the living standards of remote villages while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
He commended the efforts of HDFC Bank Parivartan and Himmotthan Society for their work across the Durbuk block—one of Ladakh’s most remote regions where project execution is especially challenging due to extreme weather and short working seasons.
Stanzin also acknowledged other ongoing initiatives in the region, including Natural Resource Management (NRM) works, smart schools, animal health camps, high-value crop promotion, and greenhouse activities.
Project Officer Stanzin Lakdan and Engineer Rigzen Norbu of Himmotthan Society, who played key roles in the execution, were present on the occasion.
With the installation of the solar power plant, Urgo Phobrang will now have reliable lighting and improved energy access, directly enhancing household quality of life and enabling community-level activities during evening hours.
The initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable rural development, advancing clean energy and self-reliance for the people of Ladakh’s border villages.