Sanchi becomes India's first solar hub

08 Sep 2023 CW Team

Sanchi, the historic home to the renowned Stupa, which has illuminated the world for over two millennia, now holds the distinction of being India's first 'solar city'. In an official ceremony, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Chief Minister, marked this significant achievement, drawing a parallel to the enlightening legacy of Lord Buddha. He stated that Sanchi had shown the way to the world, just as Lord Buddha once did, by becoming the country's first solar city.

The solar project in Sanchi was expected to have a substantial environmental impact, with carbon dioxide emissions set to be reduced by a staggering 14,324 tonne annually.

At present, a 3 MW solar plant caters to the city's energy needs and is fully operational. Concurrently, a 5 MW plant, dedicated to fulfilling agricultural requirements, was under construction. The 3 MW plant occupied a 5-hectare land close to the Unesco World Heritage site.

Upon completion, Sanchi was poised to generate surplus energy compared to its consumption. Chouhan also highlighted the broader initiative in the state, which included the construction of a 600 MW electricity-producing solar plant on the dam water in Omkareshwar. He reaffirmed the commitment to source power from green alternatives rather than thermal plants, recognising the detrimental environmental impact of the latter.

Sanchi's green transition also included the development of energy-efficient devices, e-charging stations, solar streetlights, and solar water pumps for the civic body. Farmers in the region would receive support in installing solar pumps, according to Chouhan's announcement.

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