The move from traditional energy to renewable sources is happening around the world, and one significant example is taking place in Konark, Odisha. The town of Konark, known for its historic Sun Temple, is set to become the first model town in Odisha to shift from grid dependency to green energy. To facilitate this transition, the Government has issued a policy guideline aiming to generate 2,750 megawatt (MW) from renewable energy by the end of 2022 with additional targets focused on solar energy utilization.
Policy Guidelines for Renewable Energy
As per the guidelines issued by the state, an ambitious target has been set to generate 2750 MW from renewable energy sources by 2022. These sources include sun, wind, biomass, small hydro power and waste-to-energy methods. Of the targeted amount, the government aims to generate 2,200 MW from solar energy alone, a portion of which would be utilized to power the Sun Temple and Konark town.
The Transition to Renewable Energy
In May 2020, the central government launched a scheme for the solarisation of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town. This shift towards renewable energy is an ambitious plan set by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Moving from grid to solar energy will reduce the electricity consumption of the Sun Temple. The money saved can then be used for other developmental works related to the temple.
Challenges in Solar Power Implementation
While the ambitions are high, Odisha faces multiple challenges in establishing large scale solar power plants. With 480 km of coastline, the state is prone to regular cyclones which pose a threat to these setups. Additionally, land acquisition is another major hurdle because coastal areas prone to cyclones, some parts of Odisha are densely populated or have dense forests, making land acquisition expensive and challenging.
The Historical Significance of Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple, located in East Odisha near the sacred city of Puri, was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and intricacy of sculptural work. It represents not only the power and stability of the Eastern Ganga Empire but also the grace, joy, and rhythm of life in all its variety.
The temple, shaped like a chariot, is dedicated to the Sun God and was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. Local legends attribute different symbols to the design elements of the temple; for instance, two rows of 12 wheels on each side of the temple are said to represent either 24 hours in a day or 12 months in a year.
The Cultural Landscape of Odisha
In addition to the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha is also renowned for several other monuments enriching its cultural landscape. These include the Jagannath Temple, Tara Tarini Temple, Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, and Lingaraja Temple. All of these contribute to the rich history, culture and traditions of the region.