Sambalpur: Samaleswari Temple Faces Rs. 29 Lakh Electricity Bill Dues; Plans for Solar Energy Expansion
Sambalpur: The iconic Samaleswari Temple, a revered shrine in Western Odisha, has witnessed significant development and beautification under the Samalei project. The project was inaugurated on January 27. Since then, the temple premises have shone brilliantly with evening illumination.
However, the temple now struggles with a substantial electricity bill of Rs. 29,05,104 due to limited revenue generation. To address this issue, a meeting between the temple trust board and the electricity supplier has been scheduled to find a resolution.
Solar Energy Initiatives
The temple already utilizes a 120-kilowatt solar panel system. To further reduce dependency on conventional electricity, the district administration plans to install an additional 120-kilowatt solar panel system. District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar has assured that these efforts will make the temple self-reliant in energy. He also emphasized that the pending dues will be resolved through a tripartite discussion.
Online Sambalpur Is Now On WhatsApp!
Join us for the latest news updates delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
Subscribe Us On YouTube!
Join us for the latest news updates and video content delivered directly to you.
Monthly Electricity Bill Challenges
According to Executive Engineer Dambaru Dhar Ojha, the temple incurs an average monthly electricity bill of Rs. 3 lakh. Before the Samalei project began, the administration, temple trust board, and TPWODL (electricity supply company) discussed the outstanding dues. At that time, the trust board paid Rs. 6 lakh, leaving around Rs. 8 lakh unpaid. Over time, this amount has increased to Rs. 29 lakh.
Financial Constraints and Revenue Sources
The Samaleswari Temple, built in the 16th century, has no significant revenue streams other than its donation box (hundi). The earnings are insufficient to cover operational costs like rituals, prasad, employee salaries, and maintenance.
The temple’s electricity bill for the current month alone stands at Rs. 3,01,389. Meanwhile, other activities, such as the light and sound show organized by OTDC and the laser show near the temple pond, have been temporarily halted. Additionally, the temple board has decided to turn off some lights in the surrounding areas after 10 PM to save costs.
Future Plans for Sustainability
The district administration’s plan to expand solar energy use will help reduce the temple’s dependence on regular electricity and make it more financially sustainable. Further meetings and strategic measures will aim to solve the current financial issues and ensure the temple’s operations continue smoothly.
