The tranquil backwaters of Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra, a lifeline for thousands of fishermen and farmers, face an uncertain future as plans for a massive floating solar farm move forward. The proposed project, set to cover 7,500 hectares of the 350-square-kilometer Nathsagar reservoir, is part of India’s ambitious goal to generate 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and combat climate change.
For fisherman Nitin Birute, who casts his nets in these waters each morning to sustain his family, the project represents a looming threat. “If they cover the water with solar panels, what will happen to the fish?” Birute asks, reflecting the concerns of the 25,000 families who rely on the reservoir for their livelihoods. Local communities, particularly the Kahar community, fear that the installation of solar panels will disrupt aquatic ecosystems, reduce fish populations, and ultimately deprive them of their primary source of income and sustenance.
Floating solar farms, an emerging renewable energy technology, are often installed on reservoirs, lakes, and offshore waters. While they offer a solution for countries with limited land resources, they raise significant ecological and social concerns. Environmentalists argue that covering large water bodies with solar panels can affect sunlight penetration, alter water temperatures, and disrupt the natural behavior of aquatic species. These changes could have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and local economies that depend on fishing and agriculture.
The proposed project has already sparked resistance. Earlier this year, hundreds of fisherfolk and their families staged protests against the floating solar farm, demanding that the government reconsider its plans. Some groups have taken their fight to court, filing legal challenges to stop the construction. “We depend on this water for our food and livelihood,” says Birute, emphasizing the community’s reliance on the reservoir.
Despite the project’s scale and its alignment with India’s renewable energy targets, details remain scarce. THDC India Limited, the state power company overseeing the initiative, has not disclosed information about the solar farm’s capacity, cost, or timeline. This lack of transparency has further fueled apprehension among the local population.
India’s drive to expand renewable energy is crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing its reliance on costly fossil-fuel imports. However, the government faces a critical challenge: balancing the need for sustainable development with the protection of vulnerable communities. Projects like the Jayakwadi floating solar farm highlight the complexities of this task.
As debates continue, the voices of affected communities and environmental experts underscore the importance of a holistic approach. Policymakers are urged to consider measures that mitigate the impact on local livelihoods and ecosystems, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of those most dependent on natural resources.
The future of Jayakwadi’s fishermen, farmers, and aquatic life hangs in the balance as the project moves from planning to potential implementation.
