Reviving the Dying Yamuna: Multi-State Cleanup Drive Targets River Pollution with STPs and Ganga Water Diversion
Delhi, Haryana, and UP join forces in a multi-state initiative to revive the Yamuna River. Upgraded STPs, Ganga water diversion, and real-time monitoring lead India’s boldest river cleanup yet.
NewsSutra
In a groundbreaking step toward environmental restoration, India has launched a renewed multi-state campaign aimed at cleaning and reviving the heavily polluted Yamuna River. Coordinated efforts between the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh now aim to transform the Yamuna — often dubbed Delhi’s “lifeline turned liability” — through an upgraded network of sewage treatment plants (STPs), stricter effluent controls, and the redirection of clean Ganga water into its flow system.
This inter-governmental initiative comes after decades of failed attempts, inconsistent monitoring, and relentless urban expansion that have turned the river into a toxic drain in many stretches. This time, however, there is a concrete blueprint, enforceable targets, and political commitment that environmentalists cautiously view as a potential turning point.
Why Yamuna Needs Urgent Intervention
The Yamuna River flows for 1,376 km through five Indian states and is a key tributary of the Ganges. However, a 22-km stretch through Delhi contributes nearly 80% of its pollution load, largely due to untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, and solid waste dumping.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in certain parts of Delhi's Yamuna stretch have consistently been recorded at 40–50 mg/l — well above the permissible limit of 3 mg/l for bathing water. Similarly, coliform bacteria levels exceed the safe limit by over 100 times in peak summer months.
The pollution problem isn’t just aesthetic or environmental — it affects public health, groundwater safety, and even the spiritual significance of the river, which holds sacred value in Indian culture.
The Multi-State Plan: An Integrated Approach
The new Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan is structured around five pillars:
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Sewage Treatment Infrastructure Upgrade
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Diversion of Clean Ganga Water into the Yamuna
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Industrial Effluent Management
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Solid Waste and Encroachment Control
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Real-time Water Quality Monitoring
1. Upgrading and Expanding STPs
Delhi Jal Board (DJB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has commissioned the construction and retrofitting of 35 sewage treatment plants in and around Delhi. These plants are designed with the latest technologies like Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBR) and Sequential Batch Reactors (SBR) to ensure that the treated water meets discharge standards.
By 2026, the upgraded STPs are projected to process over 1,000 MLD (Million Litres per Day) of sewage that currently flows untreated into stormwater drains.
Notably, plants in Okhla, Rithala, Kondli, and Keshopur are being prioritized as they handle the largest share of the city’s wastewater.
2. Ganga Water Diversion Scheme
One of the most innovative components of the plan is the temporary diversion of surplus clean water from the Ganga into the Yamuna, particularly during the dry months when the river's natural flow diminishes drastically.
A controlled pipeline and canal system from Haridwar and upper Ganga tributaries will inject clean water into the Yamuna at strategic points to improve oxygenation, help flush pollutants, and restore aquatic ecosystems.
While critics argue this is a cosmetic fix, proponents view it as a transitional step while the STPs and waste regulation systems reach full functionality.
3. Regulating Industrial Waste Discharge
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intensified inspections of dyeing units, paper mills, electroplating factories, and other high-effluent sectors in Delhi and neighboring industrial belts in Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Panipat.
Polluters found bypassing effluent treatment plants are facing fines up to ₹50 lakh per incident, and several units have already had their licenses suspended pending compliance.
Mandatory zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) technology is also being considered for all large-scale factories within 10 km of the river.
4. Encroachment and Solid Waste Management
Illegal settlements and construction along the floodplains have been a persistent issue. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in coordination with the Yamuna Monitoring Committee, has launched targeted drives to reclaim the riverbanks and clear tonnes of plastic, bio-medical waste, and industrial debris.
Eco-sensitive zones with afforestation plans have also been proposed along the banks. Urban local bodies have been tasked with setting up decentralized waste collection and material recovery facilities in adjacent colonies to ensure that plastics and household waste don’t end up in stormwater drains.
5. Real-Time River Monitoring
Smart sensor systems are now being installed at major points including Wazirabad, ITO, and Kalindi Kunj. These devices will record real-time data on dissolved oxygen, BOD, pH, turbidity, and bacterial contamination.
This data will be made public via a dashboard, ensuring transparency and encouraging civic participation in maintaining the health of the river.
Political Consensus: A Rarity That May Work
For the first time in decades, rival political entities across states are on the same page. Chief Ministers of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana recently met with the Union Jal Shakti Minister in a closed-door meeting, where responsibilities were clearly assigned and timelines fixed.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has stated that "2025 will be the year Delhiites see clear Yamuna waters again." Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath and Haryana’s Nayab Singh Saini have committed to controlling upstream industrial discharge and ensuring clean water flows into Delhi.
Experts note that this political alignment is rare and could be the decisive factor in making this mission a success.
Funding and Accountability
The central government has sanctioned ₹2,200 crore under the Namami Gange program for this new phase of Yamuna cleanup. An additional ₹1,300 crore will be pooled from state governments and public-private partnerships.
All contractors and vendors in the project will operate under performance-linked payments to ensure long-term accountability. In a significant change from previous cleanup drives, third-party environmental auditors will assess every milestone before further funds are released.
What’s at Stake
Delhi's riverfront potential remains severely underutilized due to the Yamuna’s poor health. A clean river can unlock several socio-economic benefits:
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Urban waterfront development with parks and public spaces
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Boating and eco-tourism industries
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Fishery revival and sustainable aquaculture
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Reduction in vector-borne diseases caused by stagnant, polluted water
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Boost to citizen morale and spiritual wellbeing
Public Involvement and Awareness Drives
As part of the campaign, students, NGOs, resident welfare associations (RWAs), and corporate CSR arms are being roped in for mass awareness programs. Cleanup drives, river walks, street plays, and art projects have already begun along the restored stretches.
Several campaigns using the slogan “Meri Yamuna, Mera Kartavya” are trending across Delhi schools and colleges, emphasizing civic responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.
Cautious Optimism Amid Past Failures
This is not the first attempt at cleaning the Yamuna. Past programs — Yamuna Action Plan I, II, and III — all fell short of goals due to overlapping jurisdiction, corruption, and lack of enforcement. This time, the hope lies in comprehensive accountability, better funding mechanisms, and genuine inter-state collaboration.
If successfully implemented, this campaign could serve as a model for river rejuvenation projects across India, from the Musi in Hyderabad to the Cooum in Chennai.
