Jyotirmayee Sahoo with her solar refrigerator. Telegraph picture

Berhampur, Oct. 21: A unique low cost eco-friendly and indigenous solar refrigerator has been developed by 11-year-old Jyotirmayee Sahoo.

Sahoo, who made the refrigerator using waste materials, stood first in this year’s district-level science project competition of Saraswati Sishu Bidya Mandir held at Digapahandi in Ganjam district.

“The solar refrigerator is made of hard cardboards, thermocol, sponge, one small solar panel, one exhaust fan in CPU, a 12-volts battery and some electric wires,” said Jyotirmayee.

“It works on the simple method that evaporation of water causes cooling,” she said.

Replying to a question as to what prompted her to develop such an indigenous solar refrigerator, Jyotirmoyee told The Telegraph, “Most of the people in our country are living in rural areas without electricity. They cannot afford to buy a costly refrigerator of any branded company. This solar refrigerator would be the only equipment to meet their requirements.”

“For rural poor folk who live in a remote village without electricity, this solar refrigerator would definitely be of enormous help,” she said.

The multipurpose solar refrigerator would be exhibited in a state-level competition at Damanjodi during October 25-27.

Jyotirmoyee, a student of Class VI at Saraswati Sishu Bidya Mandir, at Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district, said: “I was always interested to invent low-cost electrical appliances which would benefit the poor.”

“My daughter has been innovative since her childhood. I support her mentally whenever she thinks of a new project,” said Sarbeswar Sahoo, father of Jyotirmoyee, who works as a junior engineer in Gumma block in Gajapati district.