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.
