The Yamuna River, vital for Delhi’s ecology and water supply, faces severe pollution challenges. Recently, a high-level meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in a comprehensive 30-point action plan aimed at rejuvenating the river. The plan involves collaboration among six key agencies, focusing on enhancing environmental flow and managing waste effectively.
Background of the Action Plan
The action plan emerged from concerns over the Yamuna’s deteriorating condition. The meeting included prominent officials from the Central and Delhi governments. The plan aims to address the river’s pollution and improve drinking water quality for Delhi residents.
Key Objectives of the Plan
The primary goals include increasing the Yamuna’s environmental flow and managing sewage and solid waste. The plan outlines specific targets for agencies involved, with timelines set from June 2025 to March 2029.
Environmental Flow Enhancement
A major focus is on discharging 773 million litres per day of treated water into the river. This will occur downstream of Wazirabad by September 2026. A dedicated conveyance system will facilitate this process. Additionally, 6.23 cumecs of treated water will be released from the Okhla sewage treatment plant.
Sewage Treatment Capacity Expansion
The action plan proposes creating around 500 million litres per day of additional sewage treatment capacity by March 2029. New treatment plants will be established at strategic locations, including Delhi Gate and Shastri Park.
Drain Management and Floodplain Protection
Effective management of major drains is crucial. The plan includes treating drains before they discharge into the Yamuna. The Special Task Force will also focus on removing encroachments from floodplains, aiming for completion by September 2026.
Public Engagement and Outreach
Public outreach is aspect of the plan. It aims to raise awareness and promote community participation in river conservation efforts. The government plans to involve local communities in monitoring and protecting the river.
Governance and Accountability
The action plan emphasises governance and enforcement. Each agency has specific responsibilities, ensuring accountability in executing the plan. Regular monitoring and surveillance systems will identify gaps and track progress.
Future Vision for the Yamuna
The BJP has proposed developing the Yamuna Riverfront, inspired by Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront. This includes creating commercial spaces and entertainment facilities along the banks. The establishment of a dedicated “Yamuna Kosh” will fund various initiatives to revitalise the river.
Summary of the 30-Point Action Plan
- Enhancing environmental flow
- Drain and sewage management
- Solid waste management
- Governance and enforcement
- Monitoring and surveillance systems
- Floodplain protection and riverfront development
- Public outreach initiatives
- Septage and dairy waste management
Agencies involved include the Delhi Development Authority, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Government, Delhi Jal Board, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of pollution on urban rivers in India.
- What is the significance of public participation in environmental conservation? Provide examples.
- Estimate the effectiveness of current sewage treatment practices in major Indian cities.
- Point out the challenges faced in managing urban water bodies and suggest solutions.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of pollution on urban rivers in India.
- Urban rivers are often contaminated with industrial waste, sewage, and solid waste, leading to severe ecological degradation.
- Pollution affects biodiversity, with many aquatic species declining or disappearing due to toxic substances.
- It poses health risks to local communities, causing waterborne diseases and affecting drinking water quality.
- Economic impacts include loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on fishing and tourism.
- Government initiatives like the National River Conservation Plan aim to address these issues but face implementation challenges.
2. What is the significance of public participation in environmental conservation? Provide examples.
- Public participation enhances awareness and education about environmental issues, encouraging a sense of responsibility.
- Community involvement in conservation projects, such as river clean-up drives, leads to more effective outcomes.
- Examples include the Ganga Action Plan, where local communities play a role in monitoring water quality.
- Engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes ensures that local needs and perspectives are considered.
- Public advocacy can lead to stronger policies and greater accountability from government bodies.
3. Estimate the effectiveness of current sewage treatment practices in major Indian cities.
- Many cities have inadequate sewage treatment facilities, with only about 30-40% of sewage being treated effectively.
- Existing treatment plants often operate below capacity due to poor maintenance and lack of infrastructure.
- Untreated sewage continues to flow into rivers, contributing to pollution and health hazards.
- Recent initiatives aim to increase treatment capacity, but timelines and funding remain challenges.
- Technological advancements and public-private partnerships could improve the effectiveness of sewage treatment systems.
4. Point out the challenges faced in managing urban water bodies and suggest solutions.
- Challenges include pollution from industrial discharge, encroachments, and inadequate waste management systems.
- Urbanization leads to habitat destruction, reducing the natural capacity of water bodies to self-cleanse.
- Lack of coordinated governance among multiple agencies complicates effective management and enforcement.
- Solutions include stricter regulations on waste disposal, community engagement in conservation, and investment in green infrastructure.
- Implementing integrated water resource management (IWRM) can enhance sustainability and resilience of urban water bodies.
