The SGPC plans to switch over to solar energy soon to cook langar in the world’s largest kitchen at the Golden Temple. At present, at Sri Guru Ramdas Langar Hall, free food is prepared through LPG and some amount of wood is also used as fuel to prepare food for about 60,000 devotees daily. The number increases during weekends and special occasions. The langar preparation sourced through solar energy would not only reduce the use of wood, which is the main source of pollution, but would also help in reducing the expenses on LPG cylinders. Around 5,000 LPG cylinders are used in the kitchen every month.
A team of Punjab Energy Development Authority led by its director Balor Singh today explored the area where the solar energy plant was to be installed. PEDA has been working on a plan to prepare langar at the shrine with a solar steam cooking system for long. A solar plant has been proposed. Golden Temple manager Sulakhan Singh said, “This plant will not only be eco-friendly but will also be efficient in cooking vegetables, daal, chapattis etc. Other sources of fuel like the LPG system will also be kept as backup in case of cloudy weather or a snag,” he said. Meanwhile, the work on modernising the new langar hall is in full swing. The new building would have four floors, including the basement. The new facility will boast of an ultramodern cooking facility, air-conditioned sitting place, lifts, separate provision for washing the vegetables, basement for storage of vegetables and ration, apart from a conveyor system.
