Pime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared Modhera, in Mehsana district of Gujarat, as India’s first solar-powered village and dedicated multiple projects worth over Rs 3,900 crore for the region.
While addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone and dedicating development works, the Prime Minister said, “Modhera, which is associated with the Sun Temple will also be known for its strides in solar energy. It’s a big day for Modhera as it takes a giant leap towards harnessing solar power.”
“For the 21st century Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we need to ensure that renewable energy powers our energy needs. The transformation that is being witnessed in Modhera, is present and seen in the entire state of Gujarat. By leveraging the abundant natural resources and by propelling renewable energy initiatives, we should aim to become an energy provider to the world,” he said.
The Prime minister said that now the people of Modhera need not pay for electricity but they can start selling it and earn from it.
“I can see the road ahead. People will install solar panels in their homes and farmers will generate electricity from their farms. Till now the government used to generate electricity, and people used to buy it; but, now farmers will install solar panels in their houses, and will generate electricity on their own,” the PM isaid.
The Prime Minister also visited Modheshwari Mata Temple in Modhera, Gujarat and performed darshan and pooja today. He took blessings from the deity with folded hands and bowed his head before the Modheshwari Mata’s idol located in the sanctum. He was accompanied by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel.
While addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that earlier due to the absence of electricity, there used to be many hindrances and problems in education and household work but now solar energy will empower the new India to achieve its streamlined target.
“Today, a new energy of development has been infused for Modhera, Mehsana and the whole of North Gujarat. From electricity, water to road and rail. Many projects related to dairy, skill development and healthcare have been inaugurated and foundation stones have been laid today,” said PM Modi.
He said that there was a time when people of Mehsana faced many hardships adding that the daughters had to walk long distances for water and electricity was scarce but today the new generation does not face any of these problems.
“There was a time when we couldn’t manufacture cycles, today Gujarat manufactures cars and metro coaches and the day is not far when Gujarat will manufacture airplanes,” he added.
“The Modhera solar project, which is first of its kind, realises the Prime Minister’s vision of solarization of the Sun-temple town of Modhera. It involved developing a Ground Mounted Solar power plant and more than 1300 roof top solar systems on residential and government buildings, all integrated with battery energy storage system (BESS),” a government release said.
The villagers will be provided with solar electricity at zero cost as the project will demonstrate how India’s renewable energy prowess can empower people at grassroots, the release added.
A protected archaeological site, Modhera’s Sun Temple will get a 3-D projection facility. The solar-powered 3-D projection will be dedicated by PM Modi and will educate visitors about the history of Modhera, the Gujarat government said.
Sun Temple is situated at Modhera in the Mehsana district on the river Pushpavati. It was built by King Bhima-I of the Chaulukya dynasty in 1026-27.
