New Delhi: A recent report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revealed a major setback for efforts to clean the Yamuna River. It found that 14 of the 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs)—38% of them—are failing to properly treat wastewater.
According to the report filed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), out of the total STPs of Delhi Jal Board (DJB), only 23 plants met the standards. The remaining 14 STPs failed to meet many standards, including fecal coliform. NGT termed this serious and said that this is a big obstacle in the way of cleaning the Yamuna.
The Jal Board said in its status report that disinfection is being done in most STPs using ultraviolet (UV) and chlorination technology. But NGT questioned that no competent authority has recognized UV technology so far. The bench headed by NGT has ordered an investigation by IIT Delhi to find out how effective the UV technology is.
Yamuna Vihar (Phase-1, 2, 3), Kondli (Phase-1, 2, 3, 4), Sonia Vihar, Chilla, Rohini, Narela, Rithala, Kapashera, Keshavpur, Najafgarh, Okhla, Okhla New, Vasant Kunj, Ghitorni, Delhi Gate, Mehrauli, Nilothi, Pappankalan, and others. Many efforts are being made by the Delhi government to clean the Yamuna, but this report makes it clear that cleaning the river is difficult without improving the efficiency of STP. The Jal Board has said that it will soon make a new policy.
Instructions To DPCC On Cleaning the Yamuna
NGT has directed DPCC to take corrective and punitive action against those STPs that are not meeting the set standards. It has also been asked to submit a detailed action report within eight weeks. The next hearing of the case will be on November 11.
The Yamuna River cleaning initiative is underway with a multi-pronged strategy focused on reducing pollution and rejuvenating the river. Key actions include removing trash and silt, cleaning major drains like the Najafgarh drain, improving sewage treatment, and managing waste and sanitation in cities along the river. The goal is to significantly reduce pollution within three years.
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