Home / Environment / Nine Delhi STPs Non-Operational, Yamuna Contaminated
Nine Delhi STPs Non-Operational, Yamuna Contaminated
20 Apr
Summary
- Nine of 37 Delhi sewage plants are non-operational or failing standards.
- Yamuna's faecal coliform peaked at 400,000 units in March.
- Over 117 MGD untreated waste still flows into Yamuna from drains.
As of April 2026, nine out of Delhi's 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) are reported as non-operational or failing to meet Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards. A report from March indicated that seven STPs did not meet prescribed parameters, with two others undergoing rehabilitation. This situation contrasts with the Yamuna River's water quality, which worsened in March.
In March, the Yamuna saw faecal coliform levels peak at 400,000 units, a substantial rise from 110,000 units in February. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) also reached a critical 60 mg/l. Despite improvements in STP functioning data on paper, experts noted that actual river quality deteriorated, indicating continued pollution.
Significant issues persist with specific STPs, including Ghitorni, Vasant Kunj-I, and Delhi Gate (Old), which failed on all four key parameters. Furthermore, despite substantial investment in the Interceptor Sewage Project, it was found that over 117 million gallons per day of untreated waste still enters the Yamuna from drains that were reportedly completed.
