Sanchi, a recognized World Heritage Site located in the Raisen district, has achieved the distinction of becoming India’s First Solar City. This historic achievement was formally inaugurated on the 7th of August by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Key Points About India’s First Solar City
☛ Sanchi, a famous World Heritage Site (Listed in UNESCO World Heritage in 1989) in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, has become India’s first solar city.
☛ The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, formally inaugurated this historic achievement.
☛ The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of conserving energy and promoting renewable resources.
☛ A notable achievement is the establishment of a 600-megawatt capacity floating solar plant at the Onkareshwar Dam.
☛ An MoU was signed between the Renewable Energy Department and IIT Kanpur to transform Sanchi into a Net Zero City.
☛ The Chief Minister emphasized the negative environmental impact of electricity production from traditional sources like coal.
☛ Approximately 7,000 citizens in Sanchi have pledged to save electricity through solar lamps and other renewable energy solutions.
☛ Sanchi’s solar project includes a three-megawatt capacity plant in Nagauri and a future five-megawatt project in Gulgaon to meet agricultural energy needs.
☛ The use of solar energy in Sanchi is expected to reduce electricity bills by around Rs 22 lakh per year.
☛ Sanchi’s commitment to becoming a Net Zero City is a significant step towards environmental conservation and renewable energy utilization.
☛ The Energy Literacy Campaign in Sanchi has garnered strong support, promoting awareness and education about energy-saving practices.
☛ The city now boasts widespread distribution of solar lamps, charging points, and improved lighting, benefiting both residents and tourists.
☛ The development of civic amenities in Sanchi, including solar initiatives, underscores the government’s commitment to the city’s progress.
☛ The move towards a solar city in Sanchi aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s call to develop Solar Cities and sets an example for sustainable urban development.
Also Raed: First Solar-based Projects in India: Key Points
