Plans to set up a massive floating solar park on the Jayakwadi dam have sparked protests from environmentalists, who warn it could damage the bird sanctuary and aquatic life. The project, proposed by National Green Energy Limited (NGEL), has already been cleared by the State Board for Wildlife and the Union Environment Ministry’s expert panel.
Jayakwadi is Asia’s largest earthen dam and was declared a bird sanctuary in 1986. It attracts nearly 269 species of birds, including large numbers of migratory species from Central Asia, Europe, and Siberia.
Environmentalists fear that installing solar panels on over 4,000 hectares of water, about 12% of the dam’s area, and cutting hundreds of trees will harm birds and disrupt the dam’s rich aquatic ecosystem.
Dr Dilip Yardi, who helped secure sanctuary status for Jayakwadi, said the project will reduce sunlight in the water, affecting algae, fish, and the birds that feed on them.
Others like Dr Kishor Pathak and Kunal Vibhandik warned that breeding grounds for ducks, cranes, flamingos, and other species will vanish, while aquatic plants that keep the water fresh will also decline.
Officials, however, say the impact will be minimal. The forest department has said that only 12% of the dam will be used for the project, while NGEL has promised to work with them to place power lines safely so that birds are not harmed. The floating solar park is expected to generate 1,342 MW of clean electricity.
Even with these promises, environmental groups strongly oppose the plan. They say the Jayakwadi dam is the lifeline of Marathwada and a safe home for hundreds of bird species.
So, solar plants should be built on canals or other land instead of disturbing this important habitat.
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