Wetland City Indore: Will Proposed Solar Panel Installation at Yashwant Sagar Threaten the Lake? Environmentalists Weigh In

Preparations are underway for the installation of solar panels in Yashwant Sagar, an important water body that has contributed to the city’s designation as a wetland city. The Solar Energy Corporation of India has conducted a feasibility survey for this project.

However, local environmentalists oppose the plan, arguing that placing solar panels in the ponds would disrupt the natural habitat. They express concerns that increased human activity could drive away local bird populations, particularly migratory species.

First lake in the area to be recognized as a Ramsar site

Yashwant Sagar was notably the first lake in the area to be recognized as a Ramsar site, an important designation for wetlands. The site is home to cranes and other bird species, making it a critical habitat for wildlife. 

The city’s designation as a wetland city is attributed to several ponds, including Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur Pond. Despite this, the Smart City Company plans to develop a 20 MW floating solar power plant at Yashwant Sagar.

The estimated cost for the plant is around Rs 100 crore, with the Smart City Company having conducted a feasibility survey through the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Ramsar sites should be allowed to develop naturally: Bhalu Mondhe

Environmentalist Bhalu Mondhe argues that Ramsar sites should be allowed to develop naturally and cautions that solar panel installation could harm the local crane population and other birds. He emphasizes that increased maintenance activity could make birds feel insecure, potentially leading to their migration from the area.

Bird expert Ajay Gadikar said that Yashwant Sagar currently supports about 150 cranes and over 70 species of migratory and local birds, totaling around 5,000 birds. He advocates for the protection of these habitats rather than construction projects that could disrupt their lifecycle.

In response, Divyank Singh, CEO of the Smart City Company in Indore, said that a feasibility survey has been completed for the floating solar power plant, and they will present the findings at an upcoming board meeting where a decision will be made.

Prakash Kumar Pandey