DJB Challenges Kejriwal’s Allegation of 'Water Poisoning'; Discusses Seasonal Ammonia Fluctuations in Yamuna
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Synopsis
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has rebutted former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's accusations against the Haryana government, clarifying that allegations of 'poison' in Delhi's water are inaccurate. The DJB highlighted seasonal ammonia levels in the Yamuna, explaining their natural rise and measures taken to mitigate the situation.
Key Takeaways
- DJB refutes Kejriwal's claims of 'water terrorism.'
- Ammonia levels in Yamuna rise seasonally.
- DJB's treatment plants can handle varying ammonia concentrations.
- Untreated sewage and lower winter flow contribute to ammonia spikes.
- Haryana officials are working on pipeline solutions to reduce contamination.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has countered the statements made by former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, who accused the Haryana administration of discharging "poison" into the untreated water flowing into the national capital.
He labeled the situation as a form of "water terrorism" in a correspondence to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The DJB has firmly rejected these claims, asserting, "These statements are factually incorrect, without any basis and misleading."
The Board mentioned that it routinely assesses the quality of incoming water and modifies the supplies according to various water quality metrics.
As per the DJB, ammonia levels in the Yamuna River naturally surge during the winter season, especially from October to February.
The DJB elaborated that its Water Treatment Plants are equipped to handle ammonia levels up to 1 ppm (parts per million), and can also manage ammonia concentrations ranging from 2 to 2.5 ppm through a dilution process using water from the Carrier Line Channel (CLC) and Delhi Sub Branch (DSB).
The increase in ammonia levels is mainly attributed to the influx of untreated sewage or industrial waste upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, exacerbated by reduced water flow during the winter months, particularly following the monsoon season.
According to the statement, "This year also, the ammonia started increasing from October month," which further clarified the ongoing circumstances.
While ammonia levels in the river peaked at 6.5 ppm at Wazirabad pond, the DJB noted that the treatment facilities at Wazirabad and Chandrawal remained functional, albeit at diminished capacity. Due to elevated ammonia levels, output at these plants has been reduced by approximately 15 to 20 percent.
The DJB reassured the public that such precautionary measures are standard and have been implemented in previous winters to uphold water quality.
The statement also underscored that Haryana officials are proactively working to tackle the issue.
"Haryana officials have taken up a work to lay the pipeline at DD-6 in compliance to NGT orders so that the untreated sewage of DD-6 should not mix up with DD-8," it mentioned, which is anticipated to alleviate the ammonia problem moving forward.
The DJB further stated that recent tests conducted upstream of Wazirabad Pond demonstrated a declining trend in ammonia levels, with expectations for improvement in the upcoming days. Once ammonia levels recede, production at the water treatment facilities will return to normal.
The DJB also expressed concern regarding the implications of the allegations, stating that false narratives like these foster fear among Delhi residents and jeopardize the relationship between Delhi and Haryana.
"Given that this matter is likely to affect inter-state relations, these facts may be brought to the attention of the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor in terms of the Transaction of Business Rules," the statement concluded.
The DJB also provided ammonia level data for December 2024 and January 2025, highlighting the variations in ammonia concentrations, and reassured the public that the situation is being closely monitored.
