All the historic temples in Tamil Nadu will soon have uninterrupted electricity as the Tamil Nadu government has decided to establish solar energy units and replace tubelights and bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights in the shrines.
Accordingly, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department has been entrusted to install solar power units with a capacity to generate 10 kw in big temples and 5 kw in medium and small temples.At present, due to frequent power cuts, certain temples in remote areas remain closed in the evenings and deprive the devotees of offering prayers.
“Since there has been a shortage of electricity, we were looking for some alternative solutions. Solar energy helps in running electrical appliances in the morning and for lighting purpose at night,” a senior official from Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments told Deccan Herald.
The official said one of the added features of the new solar panels is that if there is not enough sunlight, it will get power from the electric grid. “So, there will be no power failure in the temple with the electricity running seamlessly without breakdowns,” he said.
According to him, the design of the installation of solar units will be done so that each and every temple retains the feel and texture of the ancient architecture.
“These solar plants are not only environment-friendly but also use a pollution-free energy source, he said, adding, “Therefore, it requires less manpower as plant requires little maintenance or help after installation.”
During the first phase, the solar power panel will be installed in temples at Rameshwaram, Palani, Tiruchandhur and Srirangam. “During the next phase, the project will be initiated in other temples,” the official said. He said the work will start this month and expected to be completed by the year end.
More than 33,000 historical temples, many at least 800 to 1,200 years old, are found scattered across Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency (TEDA) will be the nodal agency to monitor the installation of energy-efficient lights such as LED and induction lights replacing all tube lights and bulbs.
In order to maintain cleanliness in the temples, the government has also outsourced cleaning in 110 temples.