What are the key challenges in reviving the Yamuna River in Delhi?

The experts highlighted that cleaning the Yamuna would require thousands of crores, far beyond the scope of current corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and that a collective, mission-mode approach involving corporate funding, technical expertise, and government efforts is needed to revive the Yamuna.

How has improper town planning affected urban water management in Delhi?

Experts pointed out that stormwater drains have turned into sewage channels, leading to multiple instances of flooding in Gurugram even after moderate showers, and stressed the need for proactive resilience in city planning, including hybrid, nature-based solutions and strengthened departmental capacity.

What institutional challenges are hindering the revival of Delhi's water bodies?

The experts noted that the frequent leadership changes at the Delhi Jal Board, with four to five CEOs in as many years, make accountability impossible, and called for high-level oversight and independent regulatory bodies to address this issue.

Home / Environment / Experts Call for Collaborative Approach to Revive Delhi's Water Bodies

Experts Call for Collaborative Approach to Revive Delhi's Water Bodies

15 Oct

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Summary

Frequent leadership changes at Delhi Jal Board make accountability impossible
Cleaning the Yamuna would require thousands of crores, beyond current CSR funds
Improper town planning has turned stormwater drains into sewage channels

Experts Call for Collaborative Approach to Revive Delhi's Water Bodies

As of 2025-10-15T00:23:14+00:00, experts are emphasizing the need for a collaborative and coordinated approach to revive Delhi's water bodies and the Yamuna River. The discussion, organized by the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) last month, brought together policymakers, technical experts, and community representatives to explore sustainable, inclusive, and nature-based solutions to urban water management.

Vandana Bhatnagar, a development finance and institutional expert, pointed out the Delhi Jal Board's frequent leadership changes, with four to five CEOs in as many years, making accountability impossible. She stressed the need for high-level oversight, perhaps from the Lieutenant Governor's office, and independent regulatory bodies to address this issue.