Delhi: The Delhi government has approved new projects worth approximately ₹1,000 crore to clean the Yamuna River and improve the city’s water and sewerage systems. This major decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, whose primary objectives are to clean the Yamuna and provide better infrastructure to the people.
The main objective of this project is to improve sewage treatment, sewer lines, and water supply in Delhi, preventing sewage from flowing into the Yamuna River. According to officials, this initiative is part of a larger plan to develop Delhi and clean the Yamuna River.
According to government sources, the projects include the construction and modernisation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), expansion of sewer lines, installation of pumping stations, and upgrades to drainage and water supply systems across several parts of Delhi. These interventions are intended to improve the city’s capacity to manage increasing wastewater loads generated by a growing urban population.
A significant share of the approved funding has been allocated for Yamuna rejuvenation-linked works, particularly projects aimed at intercepting drains that currently carry untreated wastewater into the river. Officials said improving sewage treatment efficiency and ensuring complete sewer connectivity are essential steps for reducing pollution levels in the Yamuna.
During the Cabinet meeting, departments responsible for water and urban infrastructure presented detailed assessments highlighting gaps in existing sewage systems and the need for large-scale upgrades. The proposals were cleared after evaluation of technical feasibility, environmental considerations, and implementation timelines.
Officials said the projects will be implemented in a phased manner, with priority given to areas facing chronic problems such as sewer overflow, inadequate drainage, and frequent waterlogging. The Delhi Jal Board and other concerned agencies have been assigned responsibility for execution and monitoring of progress to ensure timely completion.
The government reiterated that revival of the Yamuna remains one of its top priorities, and the newly approved projects are expected to complement ongoing river-cleaning efforts and pollution control measures already in place. Authorities emphasized that infrastructure expansion is crucial to achieving sustained improvement in water quality.
Environmental experts have long maintained that untreated domestic sewage remains the primary source of pollution in the Yamuna, especially in the Delhi stretch. They have consistently advocated for increased sewage treatment capacity and stricter enforcement of wastewater management norms to address the issue effectively.
Upon completion of these projects, Delhi’s sewage will be thoroughly cleaned, drainage will improve, and the flow of sewage into the Yamuna will be reduced. This will improve the health and living conditions of the city’s residents. This package of approximately ₹1,000 crore is a major step towards improving Delhi’s water and sanitation.
