PATHANAMTHITTA: Solar electrification is being implemented in the major temples of Travancore Devaswom Board. The project will start at Sabarimala after this year's pilgrimage. The electricity required during the pilgrimage and monthly puja times will be completely solar-powered. Solar panels for Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal will be installed at Sannidhanam. In the second phase, the solar energy project will be implemented in other Devaswom temples with high income such as Ettumanoor, Kottarakkara, Malayalapuzha, Chettikulangara etc.

SIAL was entrusted with the technical advice of the project. Travancore Devaswom Board President PS Prashanth held a discussion with SIAL Managing Director Suhas regarding the preparation of a detailed plan. A final decision regarding the implementation of the scheme will be taken after discussion with the Chief Minister who is the chairman of SIAL. Airport Director Manu Nair, Devaswom Commissioner Rajendra Prasad, Chief Engineer Ranjit Shekhar, Electrical Engineer Rajesh Mohan and others will participate in the discussion.

At Sabarimala

Solar panels will be installed at Annadana Mandapam and Nadappanthal. Power will be supplied from here to Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal areas.

Annual power requirement of Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal: 2.5 MW

Electricity Bill : 10 Crores

On solar energy

The Thiruvananthapuram headquarters of the Devaswom Board is solar powered. The electricity bill which was Rs 58,000 per month has reduced to Rs 4000.

Sabarimala will be completely solar powered. Discussion has been held with SIAL. A final decision will be taken after meeting the Chief Minister next week.

-PS Prashant, Devaswom Board President