In Short : The Delhi government plans to install over 10,000 solar panels along a 6 km stretch of the Najafgarh drain to generate 5 MW of clean energy. Led by SECI and BSES, the project aims to utilize unused roadside space, reduce pollution, and contribute to Delhi’s renewable energy goals while revitalizing the drain area through sustainable infrastructure.
In Detail : The Delhi government has launched a unique pilot project to install solar panels along the Najafgarh drain, aiming to generate clean electricity while addressing urban space and pollution challenges. This initiative seeks to make productive use of underutilized infrastructure in the capital.
The project will see more than 10,000 solar panels installed across a 6-kilometre stretch of the drain. It is expected to produce up to 5 megawatts of solar power, feeding directly into the city’s grid and helping meet its rising energy demands sustainably.
This solar initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and BSES, one of Delhi’s key power distribution companies. Both entities will oversee the technical execution and grid integration aspects of the project.
Apart from generating renewable energy, the project is designed to improve the aesthetics and utility of the Najafgarh drain area, which has long been associated with pollution and poor maintenance. Authorities hope this step will help rejuvenate the region and change its public perception.
Officials noted that the solar installation will be mounted on specially designed structures placed along the drain’s banks, ensuring no interference with water flow or maintenance access. This design also allows the panels to be elevated and protected from flooding.
The project demonstrates an innovative approach to urban sustainability by converting dead spaces into power-generating zones. It also supports Delhi’s broader climate goals, which include a significant increase in solar power capacity as part of its renewable energy roadmap.
This model could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other parts of the country, where rivers, canals, and drains often remain underused or neglected. It blends infrastructure development with green technology in a cost-effective manner.
Delhi’s government is optimistic about the outcomes of the pilot and may consider expanding the concept to other stretches of the drain or similar urban areas, based on performance and feasibility.
If successful, the Najafgarh solar project could mark a turning point in integrating renewable energy with urban regeneration, setting an example for cities seeking sustainable solutions amid space constraints.
