Yamuna Clean-up Begins Under LG’s Order | Delhi Pollution

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

• Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena launched the Yamuna Clean-up drive in Delhi.
• Machinery deployed to remove waste and silt from the Yamuna River.
• Focus on cleaning major drains that feed into the river.
• Strict monitoring of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) will be implemented.
• New STPs to be constructed to reduce Delhi Pollution.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

The Yamuna Clean-up has begun in Delhi under the direction of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the Yamuna River and addresses Delhi Pollution. The clean-up efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to tackling the capital city’s water pollution crisis. Cleaning Yamuna was also a significant promise in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections.

Initiating the Clean-up:

On Saturday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena met with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Irrigation & Flood Control) to initiate the clean-up process. Large-scale cleaning operations began on Sunday, with the deployment of trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and a dredge utility craft to remove debris and pollutants from the river.

Four-Pronged Strategy:

Sources in the Lt Governor’s office indicated that a four-pronged strategy has been put in place to ensure the project’s effectiveness:

1. Removal of Waste and Silt: Efforts will focus on clearing accumulated garbage, silt, and other pollutants from the Yamuna’s main stream.
2. Cleaning of Major Drains: Simultaneous cleaning operations will be carried out in the Najafgarh Drain, Supplementary Drain, and all other significant drainage channels feeding into the river.
3. Strict Monitoring of STPs: A daily assessment of the performance and output of existing STPs will be conducted to ensure maximum efficiency in sewage treatment.
4. Expansion of Treatment Infrastructure: A time-bound plan will be executed for the construction of new STPs and decentralised STPs to address the current shortfall in treating approximately 400 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage.

Coordination Among Agencies:

The project will involve coordinated efforts by multiple agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Irrigation & Flood Control Department (I&FC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Environment Department, Public Works Department (PWD), and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been instructed to enforce strict monitoring of industrial units, ensuring that untreated effluents are not discharged into city drains.

Previous Attempts:

The mission to revive the Yamuna River initially gained momentum in January 2023 when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) established a High-Level Committee (HLC) under the chairmanship of LG Saxena. However, the then Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government moved the Supreme Court, securing a stay on the NGT’s directives.

Pollution Levels:

This legal intervention led to a halt in rejuvenation efforts, causing pollution levels to surge once again. Critical parameters such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (CoD) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BoD) deteriorated to record highs earlier this year.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember:

• LG VK Saxena initiated the Yamuna Clean-up drive.
• Focus will be on removing waste and silt from the river.
• STP monitoring will be intensified.
• New STPs will be constructed to combat Delhi Pollution.
• Previous attempts to clean the Yamuna were made.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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