What did the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) find during its inspection of Delhi's sewage treatment plants?

The CPCB inspection in June 2025 found that all 37 sewage treatment plants run by the Delhi Jal Board failed to meet the prescribed pollution discharge standards.

How did the CPCB's findings compare to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee's (DPCC) reports?

The DPCC's June 2025 monitoring reports had rated most of the same plants as "meeting standards," directly contradicting the CPCB's findings of widespread non-compliance.

What were some of the key issues identified by the CPCB at the Delhi sewage treatment plants?

The CPCB found alarmingly high levels of bacterial contamination, with some plants recording Faecal Coliform levels up to 4.7 billion times the permissible limit. The plants also struggled with incomplete biological treatment and inadequate aeration, leading to elevated ammonia levels.

Home / Environment / Delhi's Sewage Plants Fail Pollution Tests, Raising Alarm

Delhi's Sewage Plants Fail Pollution Tests, Raising Alarm

31 Oct

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Summary

All 37 sewage treatment plants in Delhi failed to meet discharge standards
Bacterial contamination levels were up to 4.7 billion times the limit
Contradictory reports from pollution control agencies raise concerns

Delhi's Sewage Plants Fail Pollution Tests, Raising Alarm

A recent inspection by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has revealed a troubling situation regarding Delhi's sewage treatment facilities. According to the findings, which were part of a Right to Information (RTI) reply issued on October 24, 2025, none of the 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) run by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) were able to meet the prescribed discharge standards during the June 2025 inspection.

The CPCB's assessment found that the plants failed to comply with key parameters such as Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, and Faecal Coliform. Particularly alarming was the level of bacterial contamination, with some plants recording Faecal Coliform levels as high as 4.7 billion MPN/100 ml, when the permissible limit is just 230 MPN/100 ml.