Get in action mode to combat water pollution: Shah directs Delhi Govt

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the urgent need to combat water pollution in Delhi, particularly focusing on the cleaning of the Yamuna River and enhancing the capacity of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

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Chairing a high level meeting attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other key officials, Shah directed that the STP capacity be increased to 1,500 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2028.

He urged the states of Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh to collaborate on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna, ensuring regular and transparent testing of water from their STPs. Shah highlighted the importance of third-party quality testing for STP outflow and called for the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to adopt an action-oriented approach to tackle water pollution.

He said that the Delhi government should take continuous and effective steps to stop the increasing pollution from industrial units.

The Home Minister noted that chemicals from other states also contribute to the pollution of the Yamuna and stressed the need for a unified effort to clean the river. He advocated for increasing the e-flow in the Yamuna and suggested discussions with the Uttar Pradesh government to improve the river's flow as it enters Delhi.

Shah recommended releasing treated water from the Okhla STP downstream to enhance the river's water quality. He also proposed conducting drone surveys of Delhi's main drains, Najafgarh and Shahdara, and emphasised the need for a detailed survey of water supply requirements in the city.

Uncontrolled water extraction through borewells is a big problem in Delhi, on which the Delhi Jal Board needs to work by making an action plan. He said these borewells should be regularised in a phased manner.

The Union Home Minister further said that there are many reservoirs in Delhi in which the Delhi government should make arrangements to collect rainwater.

Shah said that developing these reservoirs will also promote tourism.

In the meeting, Shah expressed concern over rising menace of stray cattle in the Capital and stressed on managing the unauthorised dairies in the city.

He further directed that the government should work in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to manage the waste produced by dairies and cow shelters.