KKN Gurugram Desk | Even though a new government is yet to be formed in Delhi, the Yamuna river cleanup drive has gained momentum. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinay Kumar Saxena has taken charge of the project, ensuring that the cleaning efforts are executed without delay.
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The LG office has shared videos of modern cleaning machines being deployed in the Yamuna river. This initiative aims to restore the river’s water quality and eliminate pollution caused by waste dumping.
Delhi’s Yamuna Cleaning Drive Uses Advanced Technology
During the Delhi Assembly Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to clean the Yamuna river. Even before the new government is in place, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has initiated the cleanup process.
On Sunday, the authorities deployed advanced cleaning machines, including:
✔ Trash Skimmers – To remove floating garbage.
✔ Weed Harvesters – To clear excessive vegetation and weeds.
✔ Dredge Utility Crafts – To remove sludge and pollutants from the riverbed.
These modern machines will help in efficient waste removal and enhance the cleanliness of the Yamuna river.
LG Takes Charge, Directs Officials to Speed Up the Process
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinay Kumar Saxena, held a high-level meeting on Saturday with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Irrigation & Flood Control Department). During the meeting, he directed them to immediately begin the cleaning process.
The LG office also shared videos showing machines in action, removing garbage, waste, and pollutants from the river.
Four-Step Strategy for Yamuna Cleaning
The Yamuna cleanup drive is being carried out under a four-step strategy designed to tackle river pollution effectively.
1. Removal of Waste and Debris from the Yamuna Water
The first step involves removing garbage, floating waste, and accumulated sludge from the river’s surface.
2. Cleaning of Drains Connected to the Yamuna
Authorities have started cleaning major drains like:
✔ Najafgarh Drain
✔ Supplementary Drain
✔ Other key drains polluting the river
By stopping waste disposal from drains, officials aim to reduce pollution at the source.
3. Monitoring and Improving Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
The third step focuses on regular monitoring of existing STPs to ensure that:
✔ They operate at full capacity.
✔ Treated water meets quality standards before release into the river.
4. Construction of New STPs and DSTPs
The fourth and final strategy involves the construction of new STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) and DSTPs (Decentralized Sewage Treatment Plants).
This will help in treating nearly 400 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) of sewage, which currently flows untreated into the Yamuna.
Multiple Agencies Collaborating for Yamuna Revival
The Yamuna River Cleaning Project requires coordination between multiple agencies and departments. Key organizations involved in the project include:
✔ Delhi Jal Board (DJB) – Overseeing water and sewage management.
✔ Irrigation and Flood Control Department – Responsible for drainage systems.
✔ Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) – Managing solid waste disposal.
✔ Public Works Department (PWD) – Ensuring infrastructure support.
✔ Delhi Development Authority (DDA) – Handling land and riverfront development.
✔ Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) – Monitoring and regulating pollution levels.
Industries Ordered to Stop Dumping Wastewater into Drains
To prevent further pollution, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued strict directives to ensure that industrial units do not discharge waste into drains.
This decision is part of a larger Yamuna restoration project, which aims to improve water quality and reduce toxic pollutants in the river.
Yamuna Cleaning Project Started in Mission Mode
The Yamuna river revival project was first launched in January 2023 under a special mission. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had formed a high-level committee under LG Vinay Kumar Saxena to:
✔ Control pollution levels in the river.
✔ Implement effective cleaning measures to improve water quality.
The committee strictly ordered that industrial units in Delhi should not dump untreated waste into the drains.
Supreme Court’s Role in the Yamuna Cleanup Initiative
The cleaning process was initially halted when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, approached the Supreme Court after five meetings of the high-level committee.
Following the petition, then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud put a temporary stay on the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) orders. This resulted in a delay in the cleanup efforts.
Due to the pause in operations, pollution levels in the Yamuna worsened, with Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) reaching record-high levels.
Now, with renewed focus and machinery deployment, the Yamuna cleaning project is back on track.
Why Cleaning the Yamuna River is Important?
The Yamuna river is Delhi’s lifeline, but pollution has severely affected its water quality. Cleaning the river is essential for:
✔ Providing clean drinking water to residents.
✔ Reducing waterborne diseases.
✔ Restoring aquatic life in the river.
✔ Enhancing the beauty of Delhi’s water bodies.
Future of the Yamuna Cleaning Project
Authorities have promised continuous monitoring of the Yamuna cleaning efforts. Weekly reports will be submitted to ensure timely completion of all cleaning activities.
✔ More cleaning machines will be added for faster waste removal.
✔ Regular inspections will be conducted to prevent industrial pollution.
✔ Public awareness campaigns will encourage people to stop littering in the river.
With advanced technology and a multi-agency approach, the Yamuna cleaning drive has gained momentum. The use of Trash Skimmers, Weed Harvesters, and Dredge Utility Crafts is expected to speed up the process.
However, sustained efforts from government agencies, industries, and the public are required to make a lasting impact.
The big question remains: Will Delhi finally get a cleaner Yamuna, or will pollution return once again?
For more updates on the Yamuna River Cleanup and Delhi’s environmental projects, stay tuned to KKNLive.com.
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