Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, has achieved the distinction of becoming India’s inaugural solar city. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan officially inaugurated this landmark achievement.
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The solar facility, boasting a capacity of 3 megawatts and situated in Nagauri near Sanchi, is expected to curtail annual carbon dioxide emissions by a significant 13,747 tonnes. This reduction is equivalent to the positive environmental impact of planting over 2,38,000 trees.
The transition to solar energy in Sanchi represents a commendable effort by the town’s residents, the Renewable Energy Department, and the scientific community. It acknowledges the detrimental environmental effects associated with electricity production from coal and other conventional resources.
By adopting solar energy, Sanchi has taken a significant step towards minimizing its ecological footprint and embracing a more sustainable energy alternative.
Becoming a Net-Zero City
The commitment to transforming Sanchi into a net-zero city, with the support of IIT Kanpur, is indeed a commendable and forward-thinking initiative. This endeavor sets a noteworthy example for the rest of the world. Environmental conservation is of paramount importance in today’s world, and meeting the rising energy demands through renewable sources is a crucial step forward. The integration of solar pumps into agriculture is a promising development in this regard.
The establishment of this solar plant is projected to result in annual savings of ₹7.68 crore on electricity expenses for Sanchi. The residents of the city have embraced the concept of solar energy in their households, demonstrating a collective commitment to this sustainable approach. Additionally, the upcoming five-megawatt solar project in Gulgaon will play a vital role in fulfilling the energy requirements of the agricultural sector in the vicinity of Sanchi. It’s heartening to note that around 7,000 citizens in Sanchi have pledged to conserve electricity by incorporating solar stand lamps, solar study lamps, and solar lanterns into their homes. Moreover, the installation of 63-kilowatt capacity solar plants on domestic rooftops further underscores the community’s dedication to environmentally friendly energy solutions.
About Sanchi
Sanchi is a town in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is located about 46 kilometers northeast of Bhopal, the state capital.
Sanchi is famous for its Buddhist monuments, which were built during the Mauryan Empire (3rd century BCE). The most famous monument is the Great Stupa, which is a large hemispherical structure that is surrounded by four smaller stupas. The Great Stupa is decorated with reliefs that depict scenes from the life of Buddha.
The other major monuments are the Ashoka Pillars, which were erected by Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE). The pillars are decorated with inscriptions that promote the message of non-violence and tolerance.
Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. The monuments here are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India.
Some other things to know about the City
- The name Sanchi is derived from the Sanskrit word “Sanchikā”, which means “heap of sand”.
- Sanchi was an important Buddhist center from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE.
- The Great Stupa at Sanchi is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist stupas in the world.
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