Reviving the Yamuna: Delhi's Bold Plan to Tackle Urban Pollution

The Delhi Jal Board plans a study of 75 drains polluting the Yamuna River. Urbanization has turned the Yamuna into a sewage drain. Flow meters will measure discharge, promoting pollution abatement through a river basin approach. Infrastructure upgrades aim to handle the city's sewage more effectively, reducing pollution.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) initiated a comprehensive study to address the severe pollution plaguing the Yamuna River as it courses through the city. An official disclosed on Tuesday that the DJB is assessing 75 drains along the 22-kilometer stretch that poses significant environmental challenges.

Rapid urbanization over recent decades has effectively transformed the Yamuna within Delhi into a literal sewage channel, a DJB representative noted. Flow meters are set to be installed to monitor drainage discharge, facilitating a river basin methodology for pollution management and environmental recovery.

The plan encompasses major drains such as Najafgarh and Shahdara, and 13 interstate drains, as it attempts to mitigate the pollution influx into the river. The city is enhancing its sewage treatment infrastructure but remains challenged by an overflow, particularly from the heavily polluting Najafgarh drain, which introduces significant pollutants into the Yamuna.

(With inputs from agencies.)