Konark Sun Temple To Run On Solar Energy:
Konark is going to be the first model town in Odisha to shift from grid dependency to green energy.
- The Odisha government has issued a policy guideline in this regard.
- In May 2020, the central government launched a scheme for solarisation of Konark Sun Temple and Konark town in Odisha.
- Under the guidelines, the state has targeted to generate 2,750 megawatt (MW) from renewable energy sources like the sun, wind, biomass, small hydro and waste-to-energy (WTE), etc. by 2022-end.
- The state also targets to generate 2,200 MW from solar energy and a part of it will be utilised to run the Sun Temple and Konark town on solar energy.
- Konark’s transition to renewable energy is part of an ambitious plan by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Konark Sun Temple:
- It located in the East Odisha near the sacred city of Puri.
- Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I (AD 1238-1264). Its scale, refinement and conception represent the strength and stability of the Eastern Ganga Empire as well as the value systems of the historic milieu.
- The Eastern Ganga dynasty also known as Rudhi Gangas or Prachya Gangas.
- It was the large Indian royal dynasty in the medieval era that reigned from Kalinga from as early as the 5th century to the early 15th century.
- The beginnings of what became the Eastern Ganga dynasty came about when Indravarma I defeated the Vishnukundin king.
- The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot.
- It is dedicated to the sun God.
- The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work.
- It marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga architecture depicting the grace, the joy and the rhythm of life in all its wondrous variety.
- It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.
