Express View on Yamuna status report: River abandoned

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on Yamuna status report: River abandoned” published in “Indian Express” on 8th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment

News: In January, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) established a panel led by Delhi’s lieutenant governor to find way to rejuvenate the Yamuna river in the capital. However, a six-month status report by the Delhi government reveals minimal reduction in pollution levels.

What are the major findings of the status report on the Yamuna river rejuvenation?

Major finding are as follows:

1. The pollution levels in Yamuna river have barely decreased despite interventions.
2. The sewage treatment plants in Delhi are not fully utilized, causing untreated sewage to flow into the river.
3. Many poor communities lack access to the sewage pipe network.
4. Despite expanding the sewerage network to some unauthorized areas, around 245 million gallons of sewage remain untreated daily.
5. A 15-year old project designed to trap sewage has failed to meet deadlines and didn’t account for Delhi’s growing population.
6. City authorities like the DDA, municipal corporation, and pollution control agencies aren’t collaborating effectively.
7. More than 70% of Yamuna’s pollution comes from Delhi, making it crucial to improve the city’s pollution control.
8. Much of the Yamuna River in Delhi is so polluted that it’s unfit for bathing.

This underlines the critical need for effective pollution control measures in the capital.