Govt to cover Munak canal with solar panels

In order to curb water loss and boost clean energy production, the Delhi Government is planning to repair and cover a 17-km stretch of the Munak canal with solar panels, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma said on Sunday.

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The Munak canal, which supplies raw water to Delhi, includes two main branches —Carrier Lined Channel (CLC) and Delhi Sub-Branch (DSB). Both are reportedly plagued by significant leakage, water loss and pollution.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative for Delhi, the government plans to install solar panels over the DSB — a raw water stream entering from Haryana. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is currently conducting a feasibility study for the project.

Verma, who inspected the canal last week with senior officials, said: “Munak canal is vital for Delhi’s water needs but also a source of considerable water loss and safety hazards. Covering it with solar panels will not only prevent seepage and evaporation but also generate clean electricity and improve public safety.”

According to government estimates, nearly 30 per cent of the DSB’s water is lost due to seepage and evaporation. In addition, the canal faces issues such as garbage dumping and accidental drowning, especially along unguarded, open stretches.

The project draws inspiration from a similar model implemented in Gujarat, where solar panels have been successfully installed over canals to save water and generate power while making optimal use of space.

The Munak canal system spans 102 km, with approximately 85 km in Haryana and 17 km within Delhi.