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Delhi's Sewage Crisis: Untreated Waste Fouls Yamuna
19 Sep
Summary
- Delhi faces a daily sewage treatment gap of 249 million litres.
- 12 of 22 sewage drains remain untapped, polluting water bodies.
- Over 1.6 million households lack essential sewer connections.
New Delhi is confronting a substantial gap in sewage treatment, with 249 million litres of wastewater remaining untreated daily. Reports submitted to the National Green Tribunal reveal that 12 of the city's 22 sewage drains are still not tapped. This situation directly contributes to the high pollution levels observed in the Yamuna River, the ultimate recipient of Delhi's liquid waste.
The Delhi Jal Board's assertion of over 91.5% Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) utilization is under scrutiny. The amici curiae's findings suggest this claim is not supported by the Yamuna's poor water quality, which shows high BOD, nil dissolved oxygen, and alarmingly high fecal coliform.
Further compounding the issue is a significant shortfall in household sewer connections. Out of a target of 4 million connections, only 2.35 million have been established, leaving 1.65 million households without this essential service by the current date. A plan is in place to connect these households by June 2028.
The reports also indicate that ten stormwater drains are being utilized for sewage disposal, and seven STPs are non-compliant with pollution standards. Recommendations include a firm action plan for tapping untreated drains and managing sludge, alongside a collaborative mechanism with Haryana and Rajasthan for the rejuvenation of the Sahibi River (Najafgarh Drain).
