Environmentalists have strongly criticized the proposed 100 MW solar power project near Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, warning that even a relatively small installation could significantly disturb the fragile wetland ecosystem. The Rajasthan High Court recently granted permission for the project in Nagaur district, subject to safeguards aimed at protecting migratory birds and preserving their natural habitat. However, experts argue that the project poses an ecological threat to the internationally recognized Ramsar wetland and could set a precedent for future developments.
Ecological Concerns Raised by Experts
IUCN member and researcher Dau Lal Bohra highlighted that Sambhar Lake supports over 80 to 97 species of resident and migratory birds, including breeding species. The lake is also known for large congregations of flamingos that depend on its ecosystem for feeding and nesting. Bohra warned that a solar project in such a sensitive zone could lead to disturbance from land clearing, infrastructure development, and increased human activity. Ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to these disruptions.
Another researcher, Sharddha Vyas, pointed out the potential for microclimatic impacts from solar panels. Large arrays can absorb and re-radiate heat, increasing surface temperatures and creating a localized warming effect. This may adversely affect eggs, chicks, and wetland vegetation. Experts further cautioned that such changes could influence evapotranspiration and local atmospheric processes, potentially altering rainfall patterns. Reduced precipitation, combined with higher evaporation, could lower the lake’s water levels over time, degrading aquatic habitats and reducing food availability for birds. This would impact both biodiversity and the ecological balance of the wetland.
Official Stance and Legal Perspectives
A senior forest official familiar with the matter stated that the land in question is neither classified as a wetland nor part of the salt-producing area and does not fall within the lake’s buffer zone. The site is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the lake, with residential and commercial establishments in between. However, green lawyer Tapeshwar Singh Bhati argued that any disturbance in the movement of birds within a wetland of international importance will have long-term impacts. He noted that the state had previously proposed a conservation plan for the lake, but nothing concrete has been implemented on the ground. Bhati urged the state to take the initiative to ensure that such projects do not damage the ecology.
The controversy underscores the tension between renewable energy development and environmental conservation, highlighting the need for careful site selection and robust impact assessments to protect critical ecosystems like Sambhar Lake.
