Centre launches scheme to solarise entire Konark Temple, Konark town

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on Wednesday said the central government has launched a scheme for solarisation of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town in Odisha.

"The Government of India has launched scheme for 100 per cent solarisation of Konark sun temple and Konark town," a statement by the ministry said.

The scheme envisages a 10-megawatt (MW) grid-connected solar project and various solar off-grid applications such as solar trees and solar drinking water kiosks.

The MNRE has taken up the complete solarisation of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town in Odisha.

Speaking about the scheme, Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh said, "The Government of India launched the scheme with an objective to take forward Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)'s vision to develop the historical Sun temple town of Konark in Odisha as 'Surya Nagri', to convey a message of synergy between the modern use of solar energy and the ancient Sun Temple and the importance of promoting solar energy."