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The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Solar dreams on lake waters: experts warn of disturbance to aquatic ecosystem
The government's ambitious project to harness renewable energy by setting up floating solar panels on lakes has gathered pace, even as experts and limnologists flag its possible negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Department and Renewable Energy Department Limited have planned to install solar panels on 40 lakes in Kolar, Chickballapur, and Bengaluru. The project aims to generate up to 2,000 MW of energy. 'This innovative project is not just about energy; it also helps reduce lake maintenance costs, boosts fisheries, and protects against encroachments,' said the Energy Department. However, experts have pointed out several drawbacks and suggested alternative approaches for consideration. Shivakumar Magada, professor of aquatic biology at the College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, said the project could accelerate the degradation of lakes already affected by silt, urbanisation, and industrialisation. 'The lake's natural vegetation will be impacted by the introduction of a foreign body, disturbing the aquatic ecosystem. Weeds may also begin to grow owing to the accumulation of nutrients around the scaffolding for the panels,' Prof. Magada explained. A limnologist and former pollution control board member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, argued that the panels could obstruct sunlight from entering the water, thereby limiting the growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton, both of which are essential food sources for fish. Priyanka Jamwal, Programme Leader and Senior Fellow at the Water and Society Programme, noted that India's lakes are vastly different from those in other countries. Therefore, the approach to installing solar infrastructure should be tailored to Indian conditions. Ms. Jamwal acknowledged a potential upside to the project and proposed a technique that could enhance lake health. She suggested that while installing the panels, project implementers should identify nitrogen and phosphorus hotspots within the lake and target those areas for panel placement. 'In nitrogen and phosphorus hotspots, lakes experience algal blooms when exposed to sunlight. If solar panels block sunlight in these areas, it could effectively prevent algal blooms,' Ms. Jamwal explained. However, she stressed that this is merely a hypothesis and that a pilot study is necessary to determine whether the approach will succeed or fail. R. Anjaneya Reddy, president of the Shashwata Neeravari Horata Samiti, stated that the project should only proceed if there is assurance that the lake's natural state will remain undisturbed. 'Many birds and animals depend on these lakes as water sources. The government must ensure that none of them are adversely affected by the project,' Mr. Reddy said. He also cautioned that catchment areas must remain unblocked and that local fishermen who rely on these waterbodies for their livelihood should be consulted and included in the decision-making process. Ms. Jamwal echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the government must secure the support of the fishing community before moving forward with the project. Mr. Magada proposed an alternative, suggesting that the government consider barren lands where farmers are willing to lease or sell fields for solar panel installations. He also recommended using Category E lakes, such as Nagawara and the western part of Hebbal lake, for the project, rather than selecting lakes classified under categories A, B, C, or D. Lakes are categorised from A to E, with Category E referring to waterbodies deemed unfit for drinking and bathing. The Energy Department claimed that it had conducted a feasibility study and is prepared to install solar panels on 40 lakes. However, repeated calls to officials seeking the results of the study went unanswered.
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- India Gazette
NIMAS successfully summits Mt Kangchenjunga, concludes 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission
New Delhi [India], May 22 (ANI): A team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) has successfully summited Mt Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest peak in the world and the highest in India, on May 18. The expedition, led by renowned mountaineer Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, marked the culmination of the landmark 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' campaign -- a patriotic mission to hoist the Indian national flag atop the highest peak of each of India's 28 states, a release said. This mission, conceptualised to celebrate the spirit of unity and national pride through adventure, has now achieved its final milestone with the ascent of Kangchenjunga, the highest point in the state of Sikkim and the campaign's symbolic crown. Notably, the NIMAS team is the only Indian expedition to achieve a 100 per cent summit success rate on Mt Kangchenjunga this season, a testament to the team's rigorous preparation, discipline, and unyielding spirit, the release said. In a season marked by extreme conditions and high attrition, every climber from the NIMAS team who attempted the summit made it -- an extraordinary accomplishment on one of the most formidable mountains in the world. 'This wasn't just an expedition. It was a tribute to every corner of India. From the dense forests of the northeast to the icy ramparts of Kangchenjunga, our Tiranga has now flown atop every state's highest point,' said Col Jamwal. 'I'm proud of the team and honored to lead a mission that reflects the unity and diversity of our great nation.' The success of the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission through the Kangchenjunga ascent underscores NIMAS's growing legacy in adventure leadership and national service. As the Tiranga waved proudly from the summit, it carried with it not just the dreams of climbers, but the spirit of an entire nation. Earlier on March 26, Minister of State (MoS) Defence, Sanjay Seth, had flagged off the expedition to Mount Kangchenjunga, led by Col Jamwal, Director, NIMAS, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. The team comprised five highly skilled climbers and three support staff. (ANI)
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NIMAS summits Mt. Kangchenjunga, concludes historic ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission successfully
In a historic feat for Indian mountaineering , a team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports ( NIMAS ) has successfully summited Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in the world and the highest in India, on 18 May 2025. The expedition, led by renowned mountaineer Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal , marked the culmination of the landmark 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' campaign — a patriotic mission to hoist the Indian national flag atop the highest peak of each of India's 28 states. This mission, conceptualized to celebrate the spirit of unity and national pride through adventure, has now achieved its final milestone with the ascent of Kangchenjunga — the highest point in the state of Sikkim and the symbolic crown of the campaign. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tunisia: New Small Electric Car For Seniors. Prices Might Surprise You. Electric Cars | Search Ads Undo Notably, the NIMAS team is the only Indian expedition to achieve a 100% summit success rate on Mt. Kangchenjunga this season, a testament to the team's rigorous preparation, discipline, and unyielding spirit. In a season marked by extreme conditions and high attrition, every climber from the NIMAS team who attempted the summit made it — an extraordinary accomplishment on one of the most formidable mountains in the world. 'This wasn't just an expedition. It was a tribute to every corner of India. From the dense forests of the northeast to the icy ramparts of Kangchenjunga, our Tiranga has now flown atop every state's highest point,' said Col Jamwal. 'I'm proud of the team and honored to lead a mission that reflects the unity and diversity of our great nation.' Live Events The success of the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission through the Kangchenjunga ascent underscores NIMAS's growing legacy in adventure leadership and national service. As the Tiranga waved proudly from the summit, it carried with it not just the dreams of climbers, but the spirit of an entire nation.
United News of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
NIMAS conquers Mt Kangchenjunga, completes ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission
Itanagar, May 22 (UNI) In a landmark achievement for Indian mountaineering, a team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh has successfully summited Mt Kangchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest mountain in the world and the highest in India, on May 18 last, stated a press note on Thursday. The expedition, led by renowned mountaineer Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, marked the triumphant culmination of the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' campaign, a patriotic mission to hoist the Indian national flag atop the highest peak in each of India's 28 states. Conceptualized to celebrate the spirit of unity and national pride through adventure, the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission has reached its pinnacle with the ascent of Kangchenjunga, the highest point in Sikkim and the symbolic crown of the campaign. Remarkably, the NIMAS team is the only Indian expedition to achieve a 100 percent summit success rate on Mt Kangchenjunga this season — a rare feat given the mountain's extreme conditions and challenging terrain. Every climber who attempted the summit succeeded, reflecting the team's meticulous preparation, exceptional endurance, and indomitable spirit. 'This wasn't just an expedition — it was a tribute to every corner of India,' said Col Jamwal. 'From the dense forests of the Northeast to the icy ramparts of Kangchenjunga, our Tiranga now flies atop the highest point of every Indian state. I'm immensely proud of the team and honoured to lead a mission that embodies the unity and diversity of our great nation.' The success of the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' mission through the Kangchenjunga ascent underscores NIMAS' growing legacy in adventure leadership and national service. As the Tiranga waved proudly from the summit, it carried with it not just the dreams of climbers, but the spirit of the entire nation. UNI TD BD
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Indian Express
Nagpur woman was in touch with Pakistani nationals before disappearance from village near LoC: Ladakh Police
Three days after Sunil Jamgade filed a missing complaint at a Nagpur police station regarding his sister Sunita, who was last seen in a remote village near the Line of Control in Kargil, Ladakh Director General of Police (DGP) S D Singh Jamwal told The Indian Express on Tuesday that she was in touch with Pakistani nationals before her disappearance. 'Inquiries have revealed that she was in contact with certain Pakistani numbers. At this stage, it remains a matter of conjecture, it is speculated that she may have crossed over. We are actively investigating the case. She had previously attempted to cross the border from the Attari-Wagah side, so it is a possibility that she succeeded this time,' DGP Jamwal said. Sunita was travelling with her 12-year-old son, whom she left behind in Hunderman village. Her brother, Sunil, filed a missing person's complaint at the Kapil Nagar police station in Nagpur on May 17. 'The child is under the care of the Child Welfare Committee, and the police are continuing their efforts to trace her whereabouts. As of now, no arrests have been made,' he added. According to DGP Jamwal, there are indications of Sunita's alleged involvement in explicit and inappropriate conversations with Pakistani nationals. The source of her financial support also remains unclear, he said. While reports from the Valley suggest that a resident was detained for allegedly helping Sunita in her endeavour to cross the border, there is no official confirmation that she has crossed the border. Search operations are underway, officials said. According to police sources, Sunita is a former nurse who used to work in a Nagpur hospital. A door-to-door garment seller, she had been showing signs of emotional distress and confusion in the weeks leading up to her disappearance, they added. It is still unclear as to how she made the journey to Ladakh.
