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Government Acts to Increase Yamuna's Environmental Flow
27 Jan
Summary
- Yamuna water volume to increase via Upper Ganga and Munak canals.
- Minimum environmental flow requirement for Yamuna is 23 cusecs.
- Third-party agency to audit drains discharging into Yamuna.
The central government is implementing plans to enhance the water flow in the Yamuna River by increasing its allocation from the Upper Ganga Canal and the Munak canal. This measure aims to improve the river's environmental flow, a critical factor for its ecological health.
Currently, the Yamuna receives approximately 10 cubic metres per second, falling short of the recommended 23 cusecs needed to combat pollution indicators like frothing and foul odors. The rejuvenation plan includes directing basin states to raise e-flow and reduce untreated effluent discharge.
As part of the strategy, about 800 cusecs from Uttar Pradesh's Upper Ganga Canal may be directed to Wazirabad, with an additional 100 cusecs proposed from the Munak canal. Haryana is tasked with reducing silt accumulation at the Hathnikund barrage.
To ensure accountability, a third-party agency will audit drains in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi that discharge into the Yamuna. Other measures under consideration involve diverting Ganga water and constructing a closed duct system for treated wastewater.
