Yamuna to become Delhi’s lifeline again

In a major push to restore the Yamuna and stop the flow of untreated sewage into the river, the Delhi Government on Wednesday rolled out a comprehensive, mission mode action plan that includes doubling sewage treatment capacity, drone surveillance of drains, sewer connectivity in unauthorised colonies and coordination with neighbouring states.

Chairing a review meeting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directed all departments concerned to work under fixed timelines to ensure that the Yamuna becomes clean and free flowing once again. Addressing officials, the Chief Minister said, “The Yamuna is not merely a river, but the lifeline of Delhi.” She added that the government is pursuing rejuvenation through “scientific planning, fixed timelines, and coordination with neighbouring states”.

The meeting reviewed the current status of sewage treatment, drain pollution, sewer line expansion, and silt management. It was attended by Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Pravesh Sahib Singh and senior officials from concerns departments.

The Chief Minister announced that Delhi’s sewage treatment capacity would be expanded from the existing 814 million gallons per day (MGD) to 1,500 MGD, marking the city’s largest-ever sewage infrastructure mission for Yamuna rejuvenation.

At present, 37 sewage treatment plants treat 814 MGD of wastewater. To meet future requirements, 56 MGD capacity will be added by upgrading existing machinery by December 2027. An additional 170 MGD will be created through 35 new decentralised sewage treatment plants, while new large plants near major drains will add another 460 MGD by December 2028.

The Chief Minister said the expansion would ensure that “no untreated sewage will enter the Yamuna”, leading to improved water quality, reduced pollution and long-term public health benefits.

As part of Mission 2028, sewer connectivity will be extended to all 1,799 unauthorised colonies in Delhi in a phased manner between December 2026 and December 2028. Of the city’s 675 JJ clusters, sewer work has already been completed in 574 clusters, while arrangements for single-point sewage collection are being made in 65 others.

The Chief Minister stressed that connecting every household to the sewer network is essential to stopping untreated wastewater from entering the river.

To strengthen monitoring, a special system has been put in place for Delhi’s drains. The DPCC and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are conducting monthly water quality testing at 47 identified hotspots.

Drone surveys of minor drains connected to the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains are being conducted to identify pollution sources. Surveys of the remaining drains will be completed by June. In addition, drone-mapping of 22 major drains discharging into the Yamuna will be carried out, with monthly testing to track pollution levels.

Highlighting the role of pollution entering Delhi from neighbouring states, the Chief Minister said, “Coordination with neighbouring states essential to make the Yamuna clean.” Officials informed the meeting that six drains from Haryana contribute 33 percent of polluted water through the Najafgarh drain, while four major drains from Uttar Pradesh account for nearly 40 percent of pollution entering via the Shahdara drain. The Chief Minister said she would personally take up the issue with both states.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been directed to identify land for setting up biomining and silt-processing plants, with around four such facilities planned across Delhi. The DDA has also been asked to prepare a plan for developing permanent ghats along the Yamuna.

The Chief Minister also ordered the strict monitoring of common effluent treatment plants in industrial areas and action against polluting units in unplanned zones, directing the DPCC and MCD to enforce penalties.

PWD Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh said, “Under the Yamuna Rejuvenation Mission, all works related to major drains and sewer networks in Delhi will be completed by 2028.” He added that departments were working under an integrated, time-bound plan under the Chief Minister’s leadership.