Delhi LG V K Saxena Chairs High-Level Meeting On Water Management And Yamuna River Cleaning

New Delhi [India], February 18: Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday with top officials from various departments of the Delhi government, including the Delhi Jal Board, to discuss measures for tackling water-related issues during the upcoming summer months. The primary focus of the meeting was to develop a comprehensive Summer Action Plan to ensure the citizens of Delhi do not face any water shortages amid rising temperatures.

The meeting, held at the LG Secretariat, also emphasized the need for discussions with Haryana authorities to ensure a continuous water supply during the critical months of May and June. A statement from the LG’s office highlighted that cooperation with Haryana would be crucial to avoid any disruptions in water availability during this period.

In a related development, following a meeting on February 16 between the LG and the Chief Secretary of Delhi, an immediate directive was issued to expedite the cleaning of the Yamuna River. Trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredge utility vehicles have been deployed to remove waste and improve the river’s condition. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle pollution in the Yamuna, which has long been a source of concern for Delhi residents.

According to the statement, a ‘four-pronged strategy’ has been outlined to address the pollution problem in the river:

1. Removal of Trash, Garbage, and Silt: Efforts are underway to clear trash, garbage, and silt from the Yamuna River stream.
2. Cleaning of Major Drains: Cleaning operations will be launched in the Najafgarh Drain, Supplementary Drain, and other major drains that flow into the Yamuna.
3. Monitoring of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): A daily watch on the existing STPs will be maintained, and a time-bound plan for the construction of new STPs and decentralized STPs (DSTPs) will be operationalized to address the current shortfall in sewage treatment capacity, which stands at approximately 400 MGD.
4. Three-Year Timeline for Cleaning: The plan has set a three-year timeline for the complete cleaning of the Yamuna River, with a strong emphasis on ‘seamless coordination’ among various agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Environment Department, Public Works Department (PWD), and Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The LG’s office has also directed weekly monitoring of progress and instructed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to maintain strict vigilance to ensure timely and effective implementation of these measures.