The spick and span Energy Park covers a sprawling two acres of land in the Eastern Matropolitan Bypass in close proximity to the Science City. It is a wonder how such a magnificent park has been constructed in a place which used to be the dumping ground of Dhapa’s malodorous garbage even a few years ago.
There is a single cottage in this park. All electrical equipment in this cottage viz., light, fan, refrigerator, television etc. are driven by solar energy. The visitor will be cordially received as a guest in the cottage. Before that, it is essential for one to visit the solar energy corner and read a few valuable books on solar energy and its multiple uses. There are also necessary on ecology for a better comprehension of what is being shown in the Energy Park. Even the computer in the cottage works on solar energy. There is potable water in the solar refrigerator to quench the thirst of the visitors in the sweltering heat. Moreover, the water is highly salubrious.
Indeed, it is a unique place to visit with family and friends for learning with fun. This park is the first one of its kind in India. A new wide world of scientific knowledge unveils itself to the visitor as he/she steps inside the park after buying ticket at a nominal cost. The West Bengal Renewable Energy Development (WEBRED) built this park for mass education and general awareness. The cost incurred for this purpose was Rs 45 lakhs.
It will be a feast for the eyes to watch how the globe can be blanketed with super-conductor solar electricity. One can also enjoy a panoramic view of the night life in Calcutta and witness how the city can be illumined by drawing solar energy from diurnal New York by means of super-conductivity. One can also see how ebb and flow tides take place in a spurious pond to generate electricity. Electricity is also produced from other sources. The electrical energy thus generated, meets 75% of the park’s demand for electricity. Then there is the ‘Friendship Pavilion,’ which will enlighten the visitor with valuable knowledge on environmental resources and how human civilization can fly on its winged chariot with the help of the renewable sources of energy. Again, there is the digital thermometer which prominently marks the difference in temperature between the room in normal temperature and the room after getting heated by dint of solar energy.
Then there is the Alladin data bank. A huge image of Alladin contains a computer in its abdomen which is operated by solar energy. Children will get valuable information on the various sources of energy from this place. Stationery items like pen and paper are also available as and when required. There is no need to get anxious whether solar energy will be generated in a cloudy day. There is adequate mechanism for conservation of solar energy as well as devices for the best utilization of wind power.
After churning the grey cells for quite some time, one might feel puckish. Then there is the solar restaurant to satisfy the polates of the fanciers of food. The park remains opened from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday except Friday. In order to avoid uncertainties, it is better to book the solar cottage in advance from the adjacent counter. Indeed it is a remarkable place to visit with family on a holiday for entertainment and for acquiring knowledge as learning is fun at Energy Park.