Complete solarisation of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town launched

Complete solarisation of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town launched

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-I – Culture & GS-III-  Energy; Environment

In News:

• Government of India has launched a scheme for 100% solarisation of Konark sun temple & Konark town in Odisha.

Key takeaways:

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will be responsible for the solarisation. 
• Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) shall implement the project.
• The Scheme aims to set up 10 MW grid connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications like solar trees, solar drinking water kiosks, etc.
• There will be 100% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) support of around Rs. 25 Crores. 
• The scheme will meet all the energy requirements of Konark town with solar energy.

Important value additions:

Konark Sun Temple 

• It is a 13th-century CE Sun temple at Konark on the coastline of Odisha, India.
• The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
• It is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya. 
• This temple was called the “Black Pagoda” in European sailor accounts. 
• It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. 
• It is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, 
• Large number of devotees gather here every year for the Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

Image source: Konark Sun Temple