Delhi Plans Solar Panels over Munak Canal To Check Water Loss

In a bid to curb water loss, boost clean energy production, and enhance public safety, the Delhi Government is planning to cover a 17 kilometre stretch of the Munak Canal with solar panels. The initiative, announced by Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday, marks a first-of-its-kind effort in the capital.

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The Munak Canal, a crucial water lifeline for Delhi, supplies raw water through two primary branches - the Carrier Lined Channel (CLC) and the Delhi Sub-Branch (DSB). Both channels have been facing significant leakage, water wastage, and pollution issues.

Solar Panels to Address Water Loss and Safety Risks

The proposed plan involves installing solar panels over the DSB, which carries raw water from Haryana into Delhi. Currently under feasibility assessment by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the project aims to tackle nearly 30 percent water loss in the DSB, primarily due to seepage and evaporation. The CLC also suffers from around 5 percent water loss.

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“Munak Canal is vital for Delhi’s water supply but also presents serious challenges like water wastage, pollution, and safety hazards,” said Minister Verma. “Covering it with solar panels will prevent water loss, generate clean electricity, and make the canal safer for the public.”

To support the solar installation, four-foot-high walls will be constructed on both sides of the canal within Delhi’s territory. The panels will serve multiple functions, like reducing direct sun exposure to minimise evaporation, generating renewable energy for canal-related infrastructure and the grid, and improving safety by preventing accidental falls and deterring unauthorised access.

Additional Benefits: Cleanliness and Energy Security

Open stretches of the canal have also become dumping grounds for garbage and are prone to accidental drownings. The covered design is expected to significantly improve cleanliness and public safety along the canal route.

The Munak canal solar plan draws inspiration from Gujarat, where solar panels have been successfully installed over canal systems to achieve water conservation, clean energy generation, and optimal land use.

Feasibility Study and Next Steps

The Delhi Government is currently conducting detailed feasibility studies, with a comprehensive project report (DPR) and technical design expected in the coming months. Coordination with the Haryana Government is also underway, as the Munak Canal system spans 102 km, with approximately 85 km lying in Haryana and 17 km within Delhi.

“This initiative is not just about saving water; it’s about creating a smarter, safer, and more sustainable water infrastructure for Delhi,” Verma said. “We are committed to adopting innovative solutions that protect both our people and natural resources for generations to come.”