Why were Delhi's sewage treatment plants fined?

Fifteen sewage treatment plants in Delhi were fined a total of ₹2.89 crore for failing to meet prescribed standards for pollutants like Total Suspended Solids and Biological Oxygen Demand between July and October 2025.

What are the new standards for Delhi's STPs?

STPs are required to meet Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards where Total Suspended Solids and Biological Oxygen Demand levels are below 10 mg/l, ammoniacal nitrogen below 5 mg/l, and chemical oxygen demand below 50 mg/l.

How is Delhi addressing the sewage treatment gap?

The Delhi Jal Board is establishing new STPs in Zindpur and Mitraon, along with several smaller plants, to help bridge the significant treatment gap for the city's wastewater.

Home / Environment / Delhi STPs Fined ₹2.89 Crore for Polluting Yamuna

Delhi STPs Fined ₹2.89 Crore for Polluting Yamuna

8 Feb

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Summary

15 sewage treatment plants face ₹2.89 crore fine for pollution.
STPs failed to meet Total Suspended Solids and BOD standards.
Fines calculated using a new methodology for 'red' category industries.

Delhi STPs Fined ₹2.89 Crore for Polluting Yamuna

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has levied an environmental compensation of ₹2.89 crore on 15 sewage treatment plants (STPs) for failing to meet prescribed water quality standards. These violations occurred between July and October 2025, impacting the Yamuna River's health. The STPs failed to adhere to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms regarding Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), ammoniacal nitrogen, and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

Previously, in February 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took notice of a report stating that 75% of Delhi's STPs were not meeting standards. In response, the DPCC decided to calculate environmental compensation based on a formula used for 'red' category industries. Consequently, show cause notices for the ₹2.89 crore fine have been issued to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) or private operators of 14 STPs that violated norms from July to October 2025, with an additional STP failing in August 2025.