Jain Temple Sets A Shining Example

A Jain temple near Mumbai has set an example in environment conservation by installing solar rooftop panels that will reduce pollution and save 40% of its annual cost of electricity. The Manas Mandir derasar in Shahpur, along the Mumbai- Nashik highway is set amid a large 100-acre campus. The temple is quite prominent as nearly six lakh devotees from all over the country visit the temple. This has led to the setting up of a large kitchen and a dharamshala for their convenience.The temple requires 250kW power to fulfill its requirements. Rajesh Mammen of Excelsior Engineering, the firm that has executed the solar project said that it is one of the largest rooftop projects around Mumbai. It will account for a third of their annual energy requirement, saving lakhs of rupees in electricity bills. A 100kW solar power project has been installed on two rooftops, 70kW on the bhojanalay terrace and 30kW atop the yatri niwas. The system is capable of generating approximately 1.35-1.5 lakh units, inducing an annual saving of Rs 15 lakh in electricity costs. As it is aligned to the existing MSEB electric apparatus, its remaining requirement is easily met. Temple trustee Minesh Shah said that their move to adopt solar energy is consonant with Jain principles of protecting the environment by using natural resources. He added that it will reduce pollution and hopes that other institutions will be inspired to replicate their effort.