Just days before the new BJP government takes charge in Delhi, the long-awaited cleaning of the Yamuna River has finally begun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the BJP’s victory celebrations on February 8, assured that his government would make every effort to ensure a pollution-free Yamuna.
According to a PTI report, the cleaning operation started on Sunday with a four-step plan. Officials from Raj Niwas confirmed that trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and a dredger are being used to clean the river.
PM Modi’s Statement on Yamuna
Speaking at the BJP’s victory event, PM Modi emphasized the spiritual significance of the Yamuna River.
“Maa Yamuna is a symbol of our faith and devotion. We bow to her and seek her blessings. But the previous government (AAP) ignored her condition, insulted our beliefs, and even blamed Haryana,” he said.
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Delhi LG Takes Charge
On Saturday, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena met top officials, including the chief secretary and additional chief secretary (irrigation and flood control), to kickstart the cleaning project.
Four-Step Plan to Clean the Yamuna
As per officials, the strategy includes:
- Cleaning the riverbed – Removing trash and silt from the main river stream.
- Drain cleaning – Simultaneous clean-up of the Najafgarh drain, supplementary drain, and other major drains.
- Monitoring sewage treatment plants (STPs) – Regularly tracking the performance of existing STPs and fast-tracking the construction of new STPs.
- Strict pollution control – The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will closely monitor industrial waste discharge into drains.
A senior official from the LG’s office mentioned that this ambitious plan aims to clean the Yamuna in about three years. “This will require smooth coordination between multiple agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board, MCD, environment department, PWD, and DDA,” the official said. Weekly progress reviews will be conducted at the highest level.
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Past Efforts and Legal Hurdles
In January 2023, a large-scale Yamuna rejuvenation project was launched under the National Green Tribunal (NGT). However, after just five meetings, the project came to a halt when the Delhi government, led by AAP, challenged the committee’s formation in the Supreme Court. The top court stayed the NGT order on July 10, 2023.
During the short time the committee was active, there were slight improvements in the river’s chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), which indicate pollution levels.
Now, with a new government in place, all eyes are on whether this fresh effort will finally bring a cleaner Yamuna to Delhi.
