ગુજરાતી
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177 kW of solar rooftop solar panels in 81 residential homes
Annual economic benefit of ₹16,064
Ahmedabad 2025
Dhordo village in Kutch, ranked as the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has become 100% solar powered.
Dhordo has become the fourth solar village in the state, after Modhera in Mehsana, Sukhi in Kheda, and Masali village in Banaskantha.
Benefits of over ₹16,000
Solar rooftop solar panels with a capacity of 177 kW will be installed in 81 residential homes in Dhordo. It is estimated that each electricity consumer in the village will receive an annual economic benefit of ₹16,064. The potential for annual electricity generation is 295,000 units. This scheme will save villagers on electricity bills and generate income from the increased number of units. The annual profit from electricity savings and the sale of additional units is expected to be ₹1.3 million.
What is Ghordo?
Dhordo, the last village in the Bani region, located about 80 kilometers from Bhuj, is considered the gateway to the White Rann, part of the Great Rann of Kutch.
Located at the mouth of the Great Rann of Kutch, Dhordo is the gateway to the White Rann. What began as the Kutch Rann Safari in 2005, a five-day event now runs for four months as the Kutch Rann Utsav.
A tent city is being established in Dhordo to attract tourists, featuring cottages and non-AC Swiss cottages, tents, and huts. The Bhunga design has been popular among locals for over a century, as it resists earthquakes and storms. It provides protection against natural disasters.
During the monsoon, seawater flows back into the desert, reducing its salinity due to rainwater. As the water evaporates in winter, a layer of salt forms on the soil, creating the appearance of a white desert.
Tourists choose the full moon to enjoy the view of the white desert, when the entire area is illuminated by moonlight. Additionally, crowds of tourists also throng during sunrise and sunset.
The watchtower overlooks the white desert.
Locals adopted this structure after the 1819 earthquake, and it has remained popular for nearly two centuries. Bhunga in Kutch survived the devastating earthquakes of 1956 and 2001.
The Bhunga’s walls are circular, so they can withstand tremors. The bamboo walls, covered with mud, also absorb the energy released during an earthquake.
I personally learned and implemented this design nearly two centuries ago. The Bhunga of Kutch is known as “architecture without an architect.”
It provides coolness during unusually high temperatures and warmth during winter nights.
The Bhunga protects the local people from the harsh climate.
The Bhunga is made from mud, bamboo, wood, and thatch. It has a narrow door and a couple of windows.
The roof is conical, while the underside is made from cow dung and clay.
Intricate designs are created inside and outside the Bhunga using sticky clay. Paintings are also made. Every year before Diwali, the women of the household apply new glue to the Bhunga and create the design.
The centuries-old local culture and sustainable lifestyle reflected in the lives of the villagers are reflected.
It has gained worldwide fame. Villages like Dhordo, Khavda, Hodko, and Bhirandiyara are located on the border and outskirts of Kutch district.
The village panchayat sarpanch is elected unanimously by all members.
Every household has a water tap for domestic use. The village has two lakes with a water capacity of 81,000 cubic meters. There is also a filtration plant and a water tank with a capacity of 30,000 liters.
66 kV power substation, telecommunication network
In addition to a health and wellness center, school, solar street lights, CC road, Ghadauli Santalpur National Highway, Road to Heaven, and a 66 kV power substation, the village also has 4G network, telephone exchange, and broadband facilities.
