New Delhi, Aug 18: Delhi’s long-term urban development plan is set to give greater emphasis to renewable energy, with the proposed Master Plan 2047 exploring the use of canals and drains for solar and, where feasible, hydroelectric power generation.
The draft Master Plan, recently cleared by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), has been forwarded to the Centre for consideration and approval.Under the proposed energy strategy, government agencies would assess suitable canals and drainage channels to determine whether they can support renewable-energy projects.
The plan also calls for wider use of solar power in greenfield areas through an agriculture-cum-solar approach. The model is intended to explore the possibility of combining agricultural activity with solar-energy generation in suitable locations.A separate proposal under consideration involves installing solar panels along a nearly six-kilometre section of the Najafgarh drain between Dhansa Border and Ghummanhera, officials said.
The draft also seeks greater adoption of rooftop solar systems at government buildings and institutional campuses with rooftop areas of more than 500 square metres, in line with the Delhi Solar Policy.
Under the existing policy, a 3-kilowatt rooftop solar installation is eligible for a combined subsidy of up to ₹1.08 lakh, including support from both the Centre and the Delhi government.Authorities are also examining measures to make rooftop solar more affordable by lowering the initial cost for consumers through subsidies and changes in the payment of generation-linked incentives.
The proposed Master Plan further encourages major public facilities, including airports, railway stations, metro stations, bus depots, inter-state bus terminals and stadiums, to gradually meet a larger share of their electricity needs through solar and other renewable sources, subject to feasibility.In another infrastructure-related proposal, the plan recommends developing underground electricity transmission networks along road corridors across Delhi in phases.
Land-pooling areas could receive priority during the initial stage.The renewable-energy proposals are part of a broader effort to expand clean power generation, make better use of existing urban infrastructure and strengthen Delhi’s energy infrastructure as the city plans for long-term growth.The proposals will be subject to the necessary approvals and feasibility assessments before implementation.
