Yamuna River Cleanup Initiative: PM Modi's Election Commitment in Motion
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Synopsis
In a significant move to fulfill his election promise, PM Modi's government has initiated a comprehensive cleaning drive for the Yamuna River in Delhi. The project kicked off before the new government was formed, employing advanced machinery to tackle pollution and restore the river's health.
Key Takeaways
- Yamuna River cleaning initiated as per PM Modi's promise.
- Advanced machinery deployed for cleanup operations.
- Four-pronged strategy established for effective restoration.
- Coordination among various agencies crucial for success.
- Pollution control measures include strict monitoring of industrial discharge.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) During the Delhi Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a commitment to restore the Yamuna River if the BJP secured victory in the polls. Following the BJP's win, the project has commenced, even prior to the formation of the new government.
On Sunday, advanced equipment such as trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredging utility crafts were deployed to initiate the cleanup of the Yamuna in the national capital.
Previously, Delhi's Lt Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena convened a meeting with the Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary (Irrigation and Flood Control) on Saturday, instructing them to kick off the cleaning operations immediately.
The office of the Lt Governor shared videos showcasing the cleaning efforts, which include the use of machines like skimmers and dredgers to extract waste, weeds, and other debris from the river.
A comprehensive four-pronged approach has been devised for the Yamuna's restoration. Initially, the removal of waste, garbage, and silt accumulated in the river will take place. Concurrently, cleaning of the Najafgarh drain, supplementary drains, and other major drainage systems will commence.
The third element of the strategy entails ongoing monitoring of the capacity and output of the existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The final aspect involves formulating a timeline for constructing new STPs and DSTPs to address the significant deficit of approximately 400 MGD of polluted water.
Successful execution of this ambitious plan will necessitate strong coordination among various agencies and departments, including the Delhi Jal Board, Irrigation and Flood Control, Delhi Municipal Corporation, Environment Department, PWD, and DDA. These efforts will be subject to high-level monitoring on a weekly basis.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee has been tasked with ensuring that industrial units in the city do not discharge contaminated water into the drainage systems. This measure is part of the initiative aimed at rejuvenating the Yamuna River, enhancing its water quality, and curbing pollution.
The Yamuna restoration was launched in January 2023 in mission mode when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) established a high-level committee led by L-G Saxena. The committee's goal is to mitigate the river's pollution and implement effective cleaning measures. It has mandated that industrial units in Delhi refrain from discharging any polluted water into the drainage systems.
Following five meetings of the high-level committee supervising the cleanup efforts, the then Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, under Arvind Kejriwal, approached the Supreme Court, contesting the NGT's decision to appoint the L-G as the committee head for Yamuna River pollution. The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, suspended the NGT's ruling, which led to a halt in the Yamuna restoration project and a deterioration in the COD/BOD levels, which had shown slight improvement previously. Earlier this year, pollution levels reached alarming highs.
On Sunday, prior to the establishment of the new government in Delhi, cleaning operations commenced with the deployment of floating machines like the trash skimmer, dredger, and weed harvester near the Signature Bridge and ITO, according to an official.
This initiative follows L-G V.K. Saxena’s directions for the Chief Secretary and officials from Irrigation and Flood Control to implement a four-pronged strategy for the river's cleanup.
The pollution in the Yamuna and the failure of the outgoing AAP government to address this issue were significant points in the BJP's campaign.
BJP leaders, now in power in Delhi, accused the AAP government of neglecting the river cleanup despite receiving Rs 8,500 crore from the Centre.
On Sunday, the Raj Niwas secretariat confirmed the initiation of the Clean Yamuna operation via a post on X, stating, “As promised by Prime Minister @narendramodi during the recent Assembly Elections, the cleaning of the Yamuna has commenced earnestly, with trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and a dredging utility craft already engaged in the cleanup efforts today.”
Officials stated that LG Saxena outlined the four-pronged strategy for the Yamuna's restoration on Saturday.
“To begin with, we will remove the trash, garbage, and silt from the Yamuna stream. Simultaneously, cleaning operations will be initiated in the Najafgarh Drain and Supplementary Drain,” the official disclosed.
Additionally, a daily assessment of the existing STPs regarding their capacity and output will be maintained, ensuring effective operation.
A time-sensitive plan will be established for constructing new STPs on drains to address the actual shortfall in treating approximately 400 MGD of sewage, with operationalization expected to follow.
The execution of this ambitious plan, aiming to clean the river within three years, requires seamless collaboration among various agencies and departments, including DJB, Irrigation and Flood Control, MCD, Environment Department, PWD, and DDA.
