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Delhi's Lifeline Polluted: Canal Faces Waste Crisis
21 Oct
Summary
- Munak Canal, vital for 60% of Delhi's water, found heavily polluted.
- Animal waste and domestic garbage contaminate the raw water source.
- Authorities directed to restrict access to prevent further contamination.
The Munak Canal, a critical infrastructure supplying over 1,000 cusecs of Yamuna water daily to 60% of Delhi's population, is facing severe contamination. Inspections revealed extensive domestic garbage and animal waste within the canal, leading the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to direct the Delhi government to restrict public and animal access. The canal, which runs approximately 17-18 km within Delhi and 85 km in Haryana, has been neglected despite its importance.
Recent reports have highlighted ongoing pollution issues, including open defecation, industrial waste dumping, and accumulation of garbage and cattle dung along its banks, particularly in the Bawana region. While the water undergoes treatment before reaching households, the UYRB's directive suggests measures such as constructing boundary walls or conveying water via pipelines to safeguard this vital resource. A study by IIT-Delhi is underway to assess the canal's condition and recommend solutions.
