Home / Environment / Yamuna Pollution: Delhi Blames Neighbors for Waste Discharge
Yamuna Pollution: Delhi Blames Neighbors for Waste Discharge
20 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Delhi Jal Board alerted states about sewage and industrial waste entering Yamuna.
- Haryana and UP are accused of discharging millions of gallons of untreated wastewater daily.
- Delhi aims to significantly improve Yamuna's water quality by 2027.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has officially notified neighboring states, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, concerning the substantial flow of untreated sewage and industrial waste into the Yamuna River via their drain networks. The DJB is urging these states to implement corrective measures at the source, such as enhancing sewage treatment capabilities.
The communication highlights that Haryana is allegedly discharging 187 million gallons a day (mgd) into the Najafgarh drain and another 105 mgd from the Badshahpur drain and Kundli industrial area. Uttar Pradesh is also implicated, with an estimated 105 mgd of untreated industrial waste entering the Shahdara drain, significantly increasing the biological oxygen demand (BOD) load.
While Delhi is expanding its sewage treatment capacity, aiming for 1060 mgd by December 2027, officials stress that these efforts will be insufficient if pollution from upstream continues unabated. The focus on cleaning the Yamuna is a priority for the Delhi government, which seeks to drastically improve the river's water quality by 2027.
