Govt sets 3-yr target to revive Yamuna

The government has set a three-year target to restore the Yamuna, one of Delhi’s most polluted rivers, with a focus on expanding sewage connectivity and encouraging active citizen involvement. The announcement was made at a national conference on river health, organised by the Department of Botany at Delhi University in collaboration with the Nature Care Initiative.

Parvesh Verma, Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control, said the Yamuna’s revival is a priority. “Around 12–15 lakh households in Delhi remain unconnected to the sewer network,” he said, adding, “These households will be connected to the city’s sewage system within the next three years.” He also revealed that a 50-year master plan for water supply is currently being prepared. ”

Verma said, “Public participation is required to keep Yamuna pollution free.” He urged schools and colleges in Delhi to send students to sewage treatment plants (STPs) to know how much of their money is being spent for processing the polluted water. He also stressed that the issue of Yamuna has been integrated into Delhi’s Master Plan.

Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Head of the Botany Department, DU, argued that “scientific intervention is essential to go for long-term sustainable solutions.” Prof Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges, DU, said, “During Covid-19, when all systems collapsed, nature restored itself,” underlining that “people participation is necessary in handling the pollution in Yamuna.” On structural issues, DU Registrar Vikas Gupta highlighted how unchecked development worsens flood risks.