Puri: If things go well, Konark, famous for the Sun Temple, will be illuminated by solar energy.
The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is mulling to convert Konark and Modhera village of Mehsana district in Gujarat into solar towns.
Modhera, like Konark, is also well-known for an 11th century Sun temple, dedicated to Hindu deity Surya (Sun).
The ministry recently convened a high-level meeting to chalk out a strategy for setting up solar energy projects at Konark and Modhera. Puri collector Aravind Agrawal had participated in the meeting, sources said.
“Konark and Modhera are well-known for their Sun temples. The Centre has planned to set up solar projects at the two settlements. Now, detail project reports (DPRs) are being prepared for the purpose,” Agrawal said.
Sources said the Centre has planned to set up a 10 kilowatt solar energy plant at Konark in public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.
“At least 5 acre land is required to establish a 1-kilowatt solar power project. So, Puri district administration will have to arrange 50 acres of land at Konark for the mega project,” said a source in the district administration.
It is learnt that energy from the solar project will be utilised for illuminating streets at Konark, Sun Temple precincts and Chandrabhaga beach.
“The project cost of Konark solar plant has been pegged at Rs 65 crore,” added the source.
