The draft Master Plan of Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047) has proposed expanding the capital’s renewable energy capacity by using existing infrastructure such as canals, drains, government buildings and public transport facilities for clean power generation.
The plan, approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), has been sent to the Centre for approval. It proposes greater use of renewable energy across public infrastructure while exploring new areas for solar generation.
Solar Panels Proposed Along Najafgarh Drain
One of the key proposals is to install solar panels along a six-kilometre stretch of the Najafgarh drain, from the Dhansa border to Ghummanhera.
The Delhi government is currently exploring the project, which could turn an existing water infrastructure corridor into a renewable energy generation site.
The draft MPD also states that Delhi’s canals and drains should be assessed for their potential to generate solar and hydro energy, subject to technical and economic feasibility.
Agriculture-Cum-Solar Farms Proposed
The master plan proposes making greater use of greenfield areas through an ‘agriculture-cum-solar farm’ scheme to increase renewable energy generation without completely taking land out of agricultural use.
The approach could allow suitable areas to support both agricultural activity and solar power generation, subject to feasibility and planning requirements.
Metro Stations, Airports and Bus Depots to Go Green
The MPD-2047 also proposes that major public facilities progressively meet their electricity requirements through renewable sources.
These include metro stations, bus depots, railway stations, airports and stadiums.
Government buildings and institutional campuses with rooftop areas exceeding 500 square metres are also proposed to install solar panels in accordance with the Delhi Solar Policy.
The measures are aimed at increasing decentralised solar generation while reducing the dependence of public infrastructure on conventional electricity sources.
Delhi’s Solar Push
The proposals build on the Delhi government’s recent push to expand solar power in the capital.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had earlier announced a ‘green budget’ focused on strengthening solar power generation and supporting infrastructure.
The government is also considering measures to reduce the upfront cost of rooftop solar installations, including subsidies and advance payment of generation-based incentives.
Under the existing policy, officials said consumers installing a 3-kW rooftop solar system can receive a combined subsidy of around ₹1.08 lakh, against an estimated installation cost of approximately ₹2.25 lakh.
Renewable Energy Vision for 2047
The MPD-2047 proposals indicate a broader attempt to integrate renewable energy into Delhi’s urban planning rather than limiting solar generation to conventional rooftop installations.
By using drains, canals, public transport infrastructure, government buildings and suitable greenfield areas, the capital could expand its clean-energy capacity while making greater use of existing urban infrastructure.
The proposals, however, remain subject to feasibility assessments and approval of the draft master plan by the Centre.
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