The Shore Temple becomes India’s 1st green heritage site as declared by UNESCO. The temple implemented a green heritage project in collaboration with Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India and Hand in Hand India. The temple sets a global example for sustainable tourism initiatives by relying solely on solar energy. It offers convenient electric vehicle charging stations, electric buggies for seamless mobility, and efficient solar power plants.
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recently, it has earned the title of first Green Energy Archaeological Site in India. The temple is a world-famous tourist attraction and is also referred to as Mamallapuram. A green heritage project is under implementation jointly with Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (Renault Nissan Tech) and Hand in Hand India (HiH).
Highlights of the Project
As per the project, the entire temple’s power will be sourced from solar energy.
1. Charging Stations
Another newest addition to the temple premises is EV charging stations. There are around 3 charging units installed at the station.
2. Electric Buggies
Numerous people, including elderly, expecting mothers, kids, and people with disabilities, are among the regular visitors of the Shore Temple. To help them move easily throughout the temple premises, electric buggies will be arranged. E-Buggies would be a source of income for local women as they would operate them, further generating employment opportunities for them.
3. Solar Power Plants
Three 10kW solar power plants have been installed to meet the temple’s energy needs. They are planning to follow the on-grid system as the excess power generated by the plants will be supplied to the grid.
4. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant
These solar power plants are not only for the Shore Temple but will also power the newly installed solar-powered reverse osmosis plant. There are three water kiosks that come with this new water purification system. Through which the visitors will get a continuous supply of clean drinking water.
The measures adopted at the Shore Temple have set an example for all tourism destinations in the world, the authorities mentioned.
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About the Shore Temple
Dating back to the 7th century, this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as one of the oldest stone temples in South India.
The Shore Temple is named after its location along the Bay of Bengal. It has three shrines and combines Dravidian and Pallava architecture. The temple is open to the public from 6 am to 6 pm and is easily accessible from the city. The Shore Temple becomes India’s 1st green heritage site and visitors can take a bus from Kanchipuram to Mahabalipuram. They can also walk or cycle around the temple’s campus and explore the nearby town.
About UNESCO World Heritage Site
World Heritage Sites are places of cultural and/or natural significance that have been recognized as having ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ by the World Heritage Committee. They are considered to be of special importance for all people.
UNESCO aims to promote the recognition and safeguarding of exceptional cultural and natural sites worldwide. They do this through an international agreement called the Convention on World Heritage, which UNESCO adopted in 1972.
The exceptional nature of the concept of World Heritage lies in its universal application. World Heritage sites are a collective possession of all people in the world, regardless of their geographic location.
Source: Tamil Nadu’s Shore Temple is now India’s first Green Energy Archeological Site
