The Delhi Government has unveiled an extensive 43-point action plan to rejuvenate the Yamuna River, building upon an earlier 30-point strategy, over the next two years. Maintaining the environmental flow of the Yamuna, sewage management, solid waste handling, stormwater regulation, and floodplain restoration by removing encroachments have been emphasised in the plan, as revealed in the minutes of a meeting held last month.
A crucial aspect of the plan involves sewage management, with a focus on constructing conveyance systems to efficiently channel treated wastewater from prominent sewage treatment plants (STPs), such as Coronation Pillar and Yamuna Vihar, directly into the river downstream. The plan also includes significant upgrades to existing STPs and the establishment of new Decentralised STPs (DSTPs), aiming for complete coverage of sewer services across unauthorised colonies and critical catchment areas.
Solid waste management is another critical element addressed by the plan, involving the deployment of floating pontoons and skimmers strategically placed to intercept waste at drain mouths and along river stretches. Along with this, clearance of accumulated solid waste and construction debris from the Yamuna floodplains was scheduled to be completed by June this year.
To ensure effective stormwater management, the action plan mandates strict separation of stormwater from sewage lines to prevent cross-contamination. Plans include comprehensive assessments and detailed corrective actions to safeguard against unauthorised sewer connections into stormwater drains and the aggressive removal of encroachments that hinder water flow in critical drainage systems.
Protecting the river’s floodplains through rigorous enforcement actions forms another key component. The plan calls for the immediate removal of illegal encroachments, promoting riverfront development initiatives, including ecological restoration projects such as the Mayur Nature Park and Hindon Sarovar, which are targeted for completion by December 2027. Enforcement against industries illegally discharging waste into the Yamuna and its tributaries has also been intensified, with deadlines within four months.
In parallel, extensive public awareness campaigns will be launched to involve citizens actively in preserving the river ecosystem. Furthermore, targeted solutions for managing septage and dairy waste, including the development of biogas plants, have been prioritised.
All involved departments, including Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), have been instructed to submit detailed implementation timelines and commence immediate action to ensure timely and efficient execution.
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Officials have been asked to periodically review the tasks comprehensively. They have also recommended a study to be undertaken for assessing Shahdara and Najafgarh sub-drains. Tapping of these major drains has been a long-standing challenge.