Storm Ravages Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh’s Omkareshwar Dam 

Recent heavy rain and strong storms have wreaked havoc in the Malwa region, causing distress among farmers and damaging several ongoing projects. Among the affected projects is a solar plant built on the Narmada Omkareshwar Dam, which sustained significant damage during the storm.

A solar project has been initiated to install solar panels on the water surface of a dam. Workers were actively engaged in placing and securing these panels when a sudden change in weather occurred. The storm caused all the panels to be dislodged and clustered together, nullifying the efforts of the workers. This project, funded by the Madhya Pradesh government with substantial investments, holds significant importance for the region.

Situated in Khandwa district, the solar plant is touted to be the world’s largest floating solar plant. It utilizes advanced hydropower plant technology to generate electricity from water. Additionally, solar power plants have been installed on reservoirs to harness solar energy. The project aims to generate electricity from solar energy in the backwater of the Omkareshwar Dam on the Narmada River.

The floaters supporting the solar panels are interconnected to prevent damage from water flow. However, the storm’s intensity led to unexpected incidents, such as an iron sheet flying off and injuring a motorcyclist near the Moratakka culvert in Khandwa district. The injured rider was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The setback caused by the storm underscores the challenges faced in implementing such ambitious projects amidst unpredictable weather conditions. Efforts are underway to assess the damage and resume work on the vital solar project to ensure its completion and benefits to the region.