Ammonia Contamination in Yamuna

Ammonia contamination in the Yamuna River has escalated into issue affecting Delhi’s water supply. Recent accusations from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) against the Haryana government have intensified the debate. They claim that Haryana is deliberately polluting the river with ammonia, which poses severe health risks and disrupts water treatment processes.

About Ammonia

• Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent smell.
• It dissolves easily in water and is widely used in various industrial applications.
• Common uses include fertilisers, cleaning agents, and food additives. Major sources of ammonia pollution include agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and untreated sewage.
• Natural degradation of organic matter also contributes to ammonia levels in water bodies.

Health Risks Associated with Ammonia

• Long-term exposure to ammonia can lead to serious health issues.
• Its corrosive nature can damage internal organs.
• The US Department of Health and Human Services marks these risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
• High ammonia levels can also harm aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems.

Impact on Yamuna Water Quality

The Yamuna River faces severe pollution from industrial units and sewage, especially in the Panipat and Sonipat districts. These pollutants lower water quality, affecting dissolved oxygen levels. During winter, the river’s condition worsens due to reduced freshwater flow. Water treatment plants struggle to process ammonia levels exceeding one part per million (ppm), leading to supply disruptions.

Treatment Challenges

Delhi’s water treatment facilities employ chlorine to neutralise ammonia. Approximately 11.5 kg of chlorine is required per litre of water to treat one ppm of ammonical nitrogen. However, increased ammonia levels during winter reduce the efficiency of these plants. This challenge complicates the provision of safe drinking water for residents.

Government Response and Initiatives

Both Delhi and Haryana governments have been slow to address ammonia contamination. AAP has proposed an in-situ ammonia treatment plant at Wazirabad pond as a temporary solution, but it is still under development. Haryana is also working on a pipeline project to prevent the mixing of pollutants, but completion has been delayed. The lack of long-term strategies has left the issue unresolved.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of industrial pollution on river ecosystems, using the Yamuna River as a case study.
2. Examine the role of government policies in managing water quality in major rivers in India.
3. Analyse the relationship between agricultural practices and water pollution in urban areas.
4. Estimate the effectiveness of current water treatment technologies in addressing ammonia contamination in urban water supplies.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of industrial pollution on river ecosystems, using the Yamuna River as a case study.

1. Industrial discharges, particularly from dye units and distilleries, increase toxic pollutants in the Yamuna.
2. Ammonia levels rise, leading to reduced dissolved oxygen, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
3. Seasonal variations exacerbate pollution; winter months see higher ammonia concentrations due to reduced freshwater flow.
4. Pollution affects not only water quality but also the health of communities relying on the river for drinking water.
5. Long-term ecological impacts include loss of biodiversity and degradation of habitat for fish and other organisms.

2. Examine the role of government policies in managing water quality in major rivers in India.

1. Government policies often lack enforcement and coordination between states, leading to ineffective pollution control measures.
2. Initiatives like the National River Conservation Plan aim to improve water quality but face implementation challenges.
3. Local governments have proposed temporary solutions, such as ammonia treatment plants, but long-term strategies are often absent.
4. Public awareness and involvement in policy-making are crucial for effective management of river ecosystems.
5. Regulatory frameworks need to be strengthened to monitor industrial discharges and enforce penalties for violations.

3. Analyse the relationship between agricultural practices and water pollution in urban areas.

1. Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides contributes to ammonia and nutrient loading in urban water bodies.
2. Intensive farming near urban areas increases the likelihood of pollutants entering rivers like the Yamuna.
3. Improper waste management from livestock and agricultural activities exacerbates water quality issues.
4. Urban expansion often leads to the loss of natural filtration systems, increasing pollution levels in nearby rivers.
5. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate runoff and improve overall water quality in urban regions.

4. Estimate the effectiveness of current water treatment technologies in addressing ammonia contamination in urban water supplies.

1. Current technologies, like chlorine treatment, are effective but require high doses to neutralize ammonia, complicating operations.
2. Water treatment plants struggle to handle ammonia concentrations above one part per million (ppm), leading to supply disruptions.
3. Seasonal increases in ammonia levels during winter reduce the efficiency of existing treatment processes.
4. Innovative technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes, may offer better solutions but require further investment and research.
5. Continuous monitoring and upgrading of treatment facilities are essential to ensure safe drinking water amidst rising contamination levels.