How Can Delhi Double Its STP Capacity to 1,500 MGD by 2028?
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Synopsis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has laid out an ambitious plan to enhance Delhi's sewage treatment capacity to 1,500 MGD by 2028, aiming to stop untreated sewage from contaminating the Yamuna. This initiative involves collaboration among several states and emphasizes the need for improved water quality management.
Key Takeaways
- Ambitious plan to increase STP capacity to 1,500 MGD by 2028.
- Collaboration among Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is essential.
- Emphasis on third-party quality testing for STP discharge.
- Need for improved water management and pollution control.
- Proposed rainwater harvesting can enhance tourism.
New Delhi, July 11 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday highlighted a comprehensive plan to more than double the sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity in Delhi to 1,500 MGD by 2028. This initiative aims to prevent untreated sewage from entering the Yamuna River.
The current sewage treatment capacity in the city is approximately 700 million gallons per day (MGD).
During a meeting focused on the cleanup of the Yamuna, HM Shah called on the states of Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh to collaborate on the rejuvenation of the river. He insisted on the necessity for regular testing of the water released from their STPs with an emphasis on transparency.
He underscored the importance of third-party quality assessments for STP discharge.
HM Shah urged the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to adopt a proactive approach in tackling water pollution, and he encouraged the Delhi government to implement consistent and effective measures to curb the rising pollution levels from industrial sources.
He pointed out that, in addition to Delhi, chemical waste from other states is also contaminating the Yamuna, necessitating a collective effort among all relevant states to restore the river’s health.
HM Shah highlighted the need for immediate actions to enhance the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the primary drains of Najafgarh and Shahdara.
He also recommended conducting a drone survey of these two main drains to monitor their condition.
Besides the ongoing initiatives by the Delhi government for river cleaning, he called for an increase in the budget for the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
He proposed that the Delhi government should also establish systems for rainwater harvesting in the many reservoirs across the city, suggesting that this could promote tourism as well.
Additionally, HM Shah indicated the need for the Delhi government to collaborate with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to effectively manage waste generated by dairy farms and cow shelters.
He emphasized the importance of regulating unauthorized dairies within the national capital.
HM Shah specifically stressed increasing the e-flow in the Yamuna and mentioned the importance of discussions with the Uttar Pradesh government to find solutions that would enhance the river’s flow as it enters Delhi.
He stated that the treated water from the Okhla STP should be released downstream into the Yamuna, which would contribute to the improvement of the river’s water quality.
The meeting was attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma, along with the Union Home Secretary and senior officials from both central ministries and the Delhi Government.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the comprehensive efforts being made to address the pollution in the Yamuna River. The proposed increase in sewage treatment capacity is a significant step towards safeguarding our environment and public health. Collaboration among states is essential for effective implementation. We must advocate for sustainable solutions that prioritize both the ecosystem and the communities relying on these water resources.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current sewage treatment capacity of Delhi?
Delhi's current sewage treatment capacity is approximately 700 million gallons per day (MGD).
What is the target STP capacity for Delhi by 2028?
The target for Delhi's sewage treatment plant capacity is 1,500 MGD by 2028.
Which states are involved in the Yamuna cleaning initiative?
The states involved in the initiative include Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
What measures are recommended for better water quality?
Regular water testing, third-party assessments, and collaboration among states are recommended for improving water quality.
How will rainwater harvesting benefit Delhi?
Implementing rainwater harvesting in Delhi's reservoirs can help manage water resources and promote tourism.
