Hyderabad, Dec 25: The Telangana government has announced plans to set up solar power plants across 231 acres of temple endowment land in five districts, aiming to reduce electricity bills for temples and safeguard valuable land from encroachment.
Under the first phase of the initiative, solar plants will be established on 231.05 acres of land in Medak, Bhongir, Siddipet, Nirmal, and Hanamkonda, in a move that also aligns with the state’s broader goal of generating clean energy. Officials have been tasked with completing the project within the next six months, reported by Telangana Today.
Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari has directed local officials to expedite the development of solar power plants while prioritizing women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to implement and maintain the plants. The government will fund the SHGs, allowing them to generate revenue from maintaining the solar infrastructure.
“The solar power plants will not only reduce the power bills for temples but will also help in reclaiming temple lands from encroachment,” said an official involved in the project. “Additionally, the excess energy generated can be sold to local distribution companies, creating further revenue opportunities.”
This initiative is part of a larger effort to protect the state’s valuable temple lands, which have been increasingly vulnerable to encroachment. To prevent private ownership of temple lands, the government has initiated geo-tagging for about 34,000 acres of temple property.
In addition to the solar project, district collectors have been directed to reclaim encroached or alienated temple lands. However, officials say about 25,000 acres of temple land are already under encroachment, with another 6,000 acres falling under the jurisdiction of neighboring states.
The geo-tagging and solar power plant initiatives are a step toward preserving the cultural and economic value of these lands while also promoting green energy.
The Telangana government’s efforts are expected to not only address the financial challenges faced by temples but also provide a sustainable, renewable energy source for the state.
