Post offices gear up to sell solar lanterns

The scheme, which was initially launched in 20 post offices and 11 Post Shoppes, will be extended to 443 post offices across the state covering both rural and urban locations. “In Chennai city, Sunking Solar Lanterns will be available for sale at Besant Nagar, Koyambedu, Aminjikarai, Jawahar Nagar, Park Town post offices and Anna Road Head Post office besides Chennai GPO Post Shoppes,” a release said.

Staff at the Business Development Cell of the Department of Posts added that the three models of Sunking Solar Lanterns, including Sunking PICO, Sunking Charge, Sunking Pro All Night prized at Rs 499, Rs 1199, and Rs 1899, respectively would be available for sale in all the identified post offices.

Public were also requested to extend their cooperation in promoting the green energy concept by purchasing these lamps through post offices, the release added. Due to the increasing irrelevance of snail mail and the stiff competition from private courier firms, post offices are increasingly turning into shopping zones and financial institutions. The sale of LED lamps and other green products is expected to increase footfalls at these sprawling buildings, even if by a slender margin.