Delhi proposed draft Climate action plan to reduce the reliance on hydropower

Delhi's draft climate action plan aims to reduce the city's reliance on hydropower from other states. The plan cites climate change as a major factor in this decision, as changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could make it more difficult to generate hydropower in the future.

(Istock)

The plan proposes a number of strategies to reduce Delhi's dependence on hydropower, including:

  • Increasing the use of solar and wind power
  • Improving energy efficiency in buildings and industries
  • Promoting public transportation and non-motorized transport
  • Planting trees to help mitigate the effects of climate change
  • The plan also calls for the creation of a "climate change fund" to finance these and other initiatives.

The draft plan is still under review, but it is a significant step forward for Delhi in its efforts to address climate change. The plan's focus on reducing reliance on hydropower is particularly important, as hydropower is a relatively inflexible source of energy that is susceptible to fluctuations in water availability. By diversifying its energy mix, Delhi can make its power supply more reliable and resilient to the challenges of climate change.

The plan's focus on renewable energy is a good start, but it is important to note that solar and wind power are intermittent sources of energy. This means that they cannot always meet Delhi's demand for electricity, especially during peak hours. The plan should therefore also include measures to increase energy storage capacity, such as battery banks and pumped hydro storage.

The plan's focus on energy efficiency is also important. By making buildings and industries more energy efficient, Delhi can reduce its overall demand for electricity. This will help to reduce the city's reliance on all forms of energy, including hydropower.

The plan's focus on public transportation and non-motorized transport is also important. By promoting these modes of transportation, Delhi can reduce its reliance on private cars, which are a major source of air pollution. This will help to improve the air quality in the city and make it a more livable place.

Overall, the draft climate action plan is a comprehensive and ambitious document. It is a good starting point for Delhi in its efforts to address climate change. However, the plan will need to be implemented effectively in order to achieve its goals.