PWD Minister of Delhi Parvesh Sahib Singh.
| Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA
The Delhi government is planning to cover the Munak Canal with solar panels, said Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Sunday.
“The Munak Canal is a lifeline for Delhi’s water supply. But in its current form, it is also a major source of loss, pollution, and risk. Our plan to cover it with solar panels will help us save water, produce power, and make the canal safer and more secure for the people of Delhi,” the Minister said in a statement. Eighty-five kilometres of the 102-kilometre-long canal, which includes the Carrier Lined Channel and the Delhi Sub-Branch, lies in Haryana while the remaining 17 kilometres is within Delhi.
Following an inspection of the canal last week, Mr. Singh announced that a comprehensive plan is being developed to install solar panels along the Delhi stretch of the canal. This plan involves constructing four-foot-high walls on both sides, over which the panels will be mounted.
“The inspection revealed alarming levels of water loss in the canal. Two of its main sections – the Delhi Sub-Branch (DSB) and the Carrier-Lined Channel (CLC) – are experiencing significant leakage and inefficiency. In the DSB, nearly 30% of the water is lost due to seepage and evaporation, and the CLC records 5% water loss,” said Mr. Singh.
The proposed plan to cover the Delhi section of the canal with solar panels, the government said, will reduce evaporation and water loss by cutting direct sun exposure, generate renewable energy to power canal-related infrastructure or feed into the grid, improve safety and enhance cleanliness.
The Delhi government is currently engaging with the Haryana government to strengthen coordination regarding the maintenance and management of the canal system, particularly for the Delhi segment.
“This initiative is not just about saving water – it’s about protecting lives, generating clean energy, and making Delhi’s water infrastructure smarter and safer. We are committed to adopting innovative solutions that serve our people and protect our resources for generations to come,” Mr. Singh said.
A detailed project report (DPR) and technical design are expected to be finalised in the coming months, the government said.
Published – July 07, 2025 01:49 am IST
