Ayodhya To Be Adorned With Solar Trees As Ram Temple Consecration Approaches

What could better the illumination of Ayodhya with solar power as the consecration of ‘Suryavanshi’ Lord Ram is just weeks from here? Advancing the initiative to incorporate renewable energy sources extensively in the sacred city of Ayodhya, 42 parks will be illuminated using solar power. The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) will be deploying as many as 42 solar trees in the parks of Ayodhya city.

Of the total, eight parks in Ayodhya will be energized by 2.5-kilowatt solar trees, while the remaining 34 parks will be illuminated by 1-KW solar trees.

These aesthetically designed trees are strategically placed to brighten the central areas of the parks, where benches will be installed and beautification will be done. The entire gamut is to develop the Ayodhya city into a world famed pilgrimage site.

Also a solar-powered city is in the works. Solar power will be supplied to key tourist destinations. A source at UPNEDA has revealed that a total of 52 locations will feature solar trees, and efforts are in progress to cover all these spots.

Prominent locations in Ayodhya slated for solar tree installations include Suryakund, Circuit House, State Bank of India colony, Kaushalpuri Phase 1, Rohini colony, Shiv Mandir park, Bahadurganj, among others. These trees have been carefully crafted to seamlessly integrate with the city’s overall theme.

Pilgrimage In Sun-Sight

The development of Ayodhya as a solar city is being personally monitored by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and recently asked top officials to fast-track the related projects in the holy city. Solar ferries will also be introduced in the Saryu River by Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) that will help the tourism in the city and take pilgrims on local voyages.

Many temple destinations across the country are being solarized at a fast pace. The  Sun Temple Town of Modhera, Gujarat, has been completely put under solar power.  World renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) or ‘Tirupati Temple’ agreed with NTPC to commission solar power projects in Tirumala and Tirupati.

The Bhadrachalam Ramalayam temple in Telangana has roped in Hyderabad-based Sun Technologies for setting up solar power panels and curb the rising costs of energy bills of the temple.

The iconic Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram recently turned into India’s first green energy archeological site through establishment of three 10-KW solar plants.

Moving to the heights of Himalayas, the Lahaul and Spiti district administration in Himachal Pradesh is looking to establish a solar energy system in the premises of Triloknath temple at Sissu, which is close to the Atal Tunnel.

Why Solar For Pilgrim/Tourist Centers 

The current focus of all Indian governments is on achieving sustainable tourism development. Utilizing the potential of solar energy can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of tourist destinations in India, offering economic advantages as well. This is particularly crucial due to the substantial human footprint and energy-intensive operations at pilgrimage sites in the country.

In terms of the economic impact of solar power in religious tourist centers, the implementation, functioning, and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure generate a substantial demand for a skilled workforce. This, in turn, fosters job creation, a pivotal driver of economic growth. Furthermore, these projects often involve the utilization of locally sourced materials and services, stimulating various sectors, ranging from manufacturing to hospitality.

Solar energy also enhances the resilience of such centers. Solar power systems, being decentralized, are less vulnerable to large-scale failures caused by natural disasters or infrastructure breakdowns. Additionally, the appeal of solar energy to tourists creates a positive ripple effect, motivating both devotees and other visitors to embrace solar power systems.