Delhi's Green Leap: 30 MW Solar Over Najafgarh Drain

In a landmark initiative to promote renewable energy and curb water loss, the Delhi government has announced the development of a 30 MW canal-top solar power project over the Najafgarh Drain. The project, part of Delhi’s broader plan to triple its solar capacity by 2027, will be implemented in phases under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The first phase will cover a 6-km stretch from Dhansa Border to Ghummanhera, generating 5 MW of electricity while preventing the evaporation of approximately 270 million litres of water annually. The canal-top solar panels will serve dual purposes—supporting clean energy generation and aiding in water conservation.

Additional canal-top solar installations are being considered on other key waterways, including the Barapullah Drain and Agra Canal. The Najafgarh Drain, a significant contributor to Yamuna River pollution, is also undergoing parallel desilting and rejuvenation efforts as part of broader river cleanup initiatives.

The project is being closely monitored by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma.

In support of its clean energy push, the Delhi government will install 32 real-time water monitoring stations, including 10 along the Yamuna, to improve water quality oversight. Additionally, the Delhi Cabinet has approved solar subsidies of ₹1,08,000 for 3 kW rooftop systems and ₹10,000 for 1 kW systems to encourage residential adoption.

As part of its leadership in sustainability, the Delhi Vidhan Sabha is set to become India’s first solar-powered state assembly, with a 500 kW rooftop solar plant already approved.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.