Delhi's Najafgarh drain to feature solar panels

18 Oct 2023 CW Team

A plan is in place to install more than 10,000 solar panels over a 6-km stretch of the Najafgarh drain. This initiative, presented as a pilot project, aims to generate around 5 MW of power. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and BSES will jointly carry out this project. The idea was initially proposed by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in April during a high-level committee (HLC) meeting on the Yamuna. The purpose was to utilise the space along the drain effectively. Saxena instructed the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department to explore the feasibility of installing solar panels along the drain, which is currently undergoing beautification and de-silting. Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar also recommended the involvement of SECI in finding suitable solutions to this endeavour. An official from the environment department mentioned that after several feasibility assessments, the latest of which was conducted on October 5, an initial proposal to generate 5 MW of power was approved during the recent HLC meeting held on October 10. "The first survey of the drain was conducted by both SECI and I&FC on August 1. A 6-km stretch from Dhansa to Ghummanhera was identified. Subsequently, a meeting involving BSES, the power department, and I&FC officials was held on August 18 to pinpoint the nearest grid where these solar panels could be connected," said the official who participated in the HLC meeting. The official further explained that six specific areas along this stretch have been designated for the creation of mini-solar plants to harness power from the solar panels. BSES will assist SECI by accepting the pooled power and integrating it into its grid network. This project not only makes use of the available space along the drain but also aids Delhi in achieving its solar energy objectives. "BSES Rajdhani Power (BRPL) will support SECI in channeling the power at two locations near Rawta and Ghummanhera, once SECI brings the pooled power to these identified points. It is expected that SECI will install approximately 10,000 ? 12,000 solar panels for this project. However, the final number may vary depending on the ratings of the panels used in the project," mentioned the second official. Additionally, a comprehensive report on the project will be submitted to the power department before the commencement of the groundwork.

A plan is in place to install more than 10,000 solar panels over a 6-km stretch of the Najafgarh drain. This initiative, presented as a pilot project, aims to generate around 5 MW of power. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and BSES will jointly carry out this project. The idea was initially proposed by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in April during a high-level committee (HLC) meeting on the Yamuna. The purpose was to utilise the space along the drain effectively. Saxena instructed the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department to explore the feasibility of installing solar panels along the drain, which is currently undergoing beautification and de-silting. Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar also recommended the involvement of SECI in finding suitable solutions to this endeavour. An official from the environment department mentioned that after several feasibility assessments, the latest of which was conducted on October 5, an initial proposal to generate 5 MW of power was approved during the recent HLC meeting held on October 10. The first survey of the drain was conducted by both SECI and I&FC on August 1. A 6-km stretch from Dhansa to Ghummanhera was identified. Subsequently, a meeting involving BSES, the power department, and I&FC officials was held on August 18 to pinpoint the nearest grid where these solar panels could be connected, said the official who participated in the HLC meeting. The official further explained that six specific areas along this stretch have been designated for the creation of mini-solar plants to harness power from the solar panels. BSES will assist SECI by accepting the pooled power and integrating it into its grid network. This project not only makes use of the available space along the drain but also aids Delhi in achieving its solar energy objectives. BSES Rajdhani Power (BRPL) will support SECI in channeling the power at two locations near Rawta and Ghummanhera, once SECI brings the pooled power to these identified points. It is expected that SECI will install approximately 10,000 ? 12,000 solar panels for this project. However, the final number may vary depending on the ratings of the panels used in the project, mentioned the second official. Additionally, a comprehensive report on the project will be submitted to the power department before the commencement of the groundwork.