Delhi's Sacred River Turns Toxic Drain, Millions Thirsty

Millions of Delhi residents are experiencing intermittent water shortages due to critically high ammonia levels in the Yamuna River. This severe pollution, stemming from industrial waste and untreated sewage, has forced six of the city's nine major water treatment plants to shut down. Residents report receiving water that is often dirty, black, or smells foul, with some neighborhoods going days without any supply.

The Yamuna River, historically a primary water source for Delhi, now faces extensive contamination, with the city itself contributing significantly to its pollution. Decades of neglect have transformed the river into a toxic drain, visible through thick layers of industrial waste and sewage foam. This environmental crisis is compounded by the city's rapid and unplanned urbanization, leading to inadequate sewage management and groundwater contamination.

Authorities aim to double sewage treatment capacity by 2028 and expand sewage networks to unauthorized colonies. Despite past clean-up initiatives like the Yamuna Action Plan launched in 1993, the river's condition has seen little improvement. The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for effective waste management and pollution control to ensure a reliable water supply for Delhi's 20 million residents.