30MW Solar Power Project on Najafgarh Drain Set to Take Off

The Najafgarh drain canal-top solar power project, recommended by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in April 2023, is set to take off, with Power Minister Ashish Sood confirming that the plan is currently on the drawing board and is likely to be rolled out soon.

- Alok KN Mishra

NEW DELHI:

Under the project, aimed at setting up solar panels above the Yamuna along its route, the government aims to generate 30 mega Watts (MW) of power.

"Solar panels will be mounted on top of the canal route, which will allow cleaning of the drain while checking the evaporation of the water from the drain. The panels on one side will be bigger than the other side according to the plans that have been discussed," Minister Sood said.

An official in the know-how of the project said solar panels mounted above canals block sunlight from directly hitting the water and, in turn, reduce the surface heat and water evaporation. The panels will also act as a wind barrier, which will help slow down water evaporation. Reduction of evaporation from the drain can offer environmental benefits, the official said.