Solar dreams on lake waters: experts warn of disturbance to aquatic ecosystem

The government’s ambitious project to use renewable energy by establishing solar panels floating in lakes, even though experts and limnologists pointed to the possible negative impact on water ecosystem, speed was collected.

Small irrigation and groundwater development department and renewable energy department Limited, Kolar, Chickballapur and Bengaluru has planned to establish solar panels in 40 lakes. The project aims to produce energy up to 2,000 MW.

“This innovative project helps to reduce lake maintenance costs, increase fishing and protect against rape, not only related to energy,” the Energy Department said.

However, experts drew attention to several disadvantages and proposed alternative approaches to take into account.

Mangaluru, Fisheries College, water biology professor Shivakumar Magada, the project can accelerate the deterioration of the lakes that have already been affected by the silt, urbanization and industrialization.

Prof. Magada, “the natural vegetation of the lake will be affected by the introduction of a foreign object that disturbs the water ecosystem. Wild herbs can begin to grow due to the accumulation of nutrients around the pier,” he said.

Speaking about anonymity, a limnologist and former pollution control board member argued that the panels could prevent the sunlight from entering the water, so that both could limit the growth of the basic food sources for fish, phytoplankton and Zooplankton.

In the water and community program, Priyanka Jamwal, the leader and senior member of the program, said that India’s lakes are very different from other countries. Therefore, the approach to the establishment of solar infrastructure should be adapted according to Indian conditions.

Ms. Jamwal accepted the potential of the project and proposed a technique that could increase lake health. When establishing panels, project practitioners should identify the hot spots of nitrogen and phosphorus in the lake and target these areas for panel placement.

“At the hot spots of nitrogen and phosphorus, algae bloom at the hot spots of nitrogen and phosphorus. If solar panels prevent sunlight in these areas, they can effectively prevent algae flowers, Az he said. However, a pilot work is necessary to determine whether this was just a hypothesis and whether the approach would be successful or if it would fail.

Shashwata Neeravari Horata Samiti President R. Anjaneya Redy, said that the project should continue if there is assurance that the natural situation of the lake will not be disturbed. “Many birds and animals rely on these lakes as water resources. The government should ensure that none of them are negatively affected by the project,” he said.

He also warned that the basin areas should remain unobstructed and that local fishermen who rely on these water bodies should be consulted and included in the decision -making process.

Ms. Jamwal reiterated this feeling, emphasizing that the government should secure the support of the fishing community before progressing with the project.

Mr. Magada suggested an alternative that the government claims that the government is thinking of the barren lands where farmers are willing to rent or sell space for solar panel facilities. In addition, instead of selecting lakes classified under categories A, B, C or D, he suggested to use the category such as the western part of Nagawara and Hebal Lake for the project.

Lakes are categorized from A to E, category E, referring to water bodies suitable for drinking and bathrooms.

The Energy Department claimed that he was doing a feasibility study and was ready to establish solar panels on 40 lakes. However, the calls for the authorities looking for the results of the study repeatedly remained unanswered.

Published – 22 July 2025 09:36 IST