New Delhi: Trash skimmers, weed harvesters and dredge utility units were deployed on Sunday to commence the cleaning of the Yamuna, a topic that had been a focal point in the lead-up to the Delhi elections. This effort comes after a meeting between Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the Chief Secretary, during which an urgent directive was issued to begin the river’s cleanup. A statement from the Lieutenant Governor’s office outlined a “four-pronged strategy” aimed at addressing the pollution in the Yamuna.
“To begin with, the trash, garbage and silt in the Yamuna River stream will be removed. Simultaneously cleaning operations in the Najafgarh Drain, Supplementary Drain, and all other major drains will start,” read the statement.
For the other two methods, the statement added, “3. At the same time, a daily watch on the existing STPs (sewage treatment plants) in terms of their capacity and output will be maintained, and a time-bound plan in terms of construction of new STPs/DSTPs, etc., to meet the actual shortfall of treating about 400 MGD of sewer will be put in place and operationalised.”
Establishment of three-year timeline
The Lieutenant Governor’s office has established a three-year timeline for the river’s cleanup, stressing the importance of ‘seamless coordination’ among different agencies and departments. “The execution of this ambitious plan that targets cleaning the river in about 3 years will require seamless coordination between various agencies and departments that include DJB (Delhi Jal Board), I&FC (Irrigation and Flood Control Department), MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi), Environment Department, PWD (Public Works Department) and DDA (Delhi Development Authority),” the statement read.
The cleaning progress will be monitored every week and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been asked to make sure that factories in the city don’t release dirty water into the drains. This is part of the effort to clean the Yamuna, improve its water quality, and reduce pollution.
“Monitoring of the abovementioned works will be done at the highest level on a weekly basis. In addition to this, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been directed to keep a strict vigil on the discharge of untreated effluent into the drains by Industrial Units in the City,” the statement added.
BJP’s poll promise
The BJP promised to clean the Yamuna before winning the Delhi Assembly elections. Prime Minister Modi pledged to make the river Delhi’s identity. Cleaning began in January 2023 under an NGT-appointed committee led by L-G Saxena, but AAP challenged the order, halting progress until earlier this year.
