The famed 3rd-century Buddhist Stupa land of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh has become the first “solar city” in the country. The city, known for the Great Buddhist Stupa originally built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then Governor of Ujaiyini, is now connecting the ancient with the modern through solar light.
Ashoka, who was married to Devi, the daughter of a merchant from the nearby town of Vidisha, is known to have visited the Sanchi Buddhist site.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Sanchi solar city, saying, “By becoming the country’s first solar city, this historic place has shown the way to the world, much like Lord Buddha once did.”
Engineers and site officials at Sanchi told The Pioneer that a 3 MW solar plant, which caters to the city’s needs, is fully operational, and another plant with a capacity of 5 MW — to meet agriculture-related requirements — is under construction. The 3 MW plant has been built close to the UNESCO World Heritage site on a 5-hectare plot. The stupa, majestically overlooking the solar plant amidst lush greenery, stands tall in its height.
Once completed, Sanchi will produce more energy than it consumes. The majority of the energy requirements of Sanchi city are planned to be met through ground-mounted solar panel projects.
Additionally, rooftop solar panels will be installed on residential and office buildings in Sanchi, including the Sanchi Railway station. Residents in Sanchi are encouraged to use solar products such as solar study lamps, solar dryers, solar water heaters, or solar lanterns.
Officials have stated that electric vehicle charging stations will be set up to promote e-mobility in the town.
Furthermore, solar water kiosks will be installed at public places, and solar street lights will line the roads in the town. Solar trees will also be placed in common areas, offering free Wi-Fi, mobile charging, and space for community gatherings.
Close to the UNESCO-recognised World Heritage site, wind turbines are planned to be installed near the Stupa to harness wind energy. “Energy floors” will be laid at the entry gate of the main Stupa to raise awareness about the availability and development of energy in various activities.
The project mentioned that hydro-electric power will continue to supply the city in parallel with solar power, which will soon become the primary source of light for the city.
Incidentally, India’s first solar-powered village is Modhera in Gujarat, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October of last year. Sanchi Stupa, monasteries, temples, and pillars dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD were declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 1989.”
