Delhi's Bold Initiative: Cleaning the Yamuna

The Delhi government's Urban Development Department has announced plans to establish a project management unit specifically tasked with ensuring the timely and efficient completion of Yamuna cleaning works. This comes as a response to the mainstay of BJP's assembly poll campaign, an ambitious river-cleaning initiative.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently approved the installation of 27 decentralized sewage treatment plants, extending sewer connections to all unauthorized colonies, and establishing a new 10 MGD sewage treatment plant and pump station at Delhi Gate, marking a significant step in the river cleanup effort.

The project, budgeted at Rs 3,104 crore, aims to address inadequacies in the Delhi Jal Board's existing sewage treatment capabilities. Addressing the issue of sewage from 416 unauthorized colonies and 115 villages, the project plans to cater to 35 lakh residents in areas like Najafgarh and Narela, thereby improving sanitary conditions and reducing pollution in the Yamuna.

(With inputs from agencies.)