Pollution Plagues Yamuna: Faecal Coliform Spikes

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has released its monthly water quality reports for the Yamuna River for November and December 2025, showing a notable deterioration from October. Faecal coliform levels, a key indicator of sewage contamination, dramatically increased, reaching 92,000 units/100 ml in December, far exceeding the safe limit of 2,500 units/100 ml. This occurred despite the river being significantly cleaner than in the corresponding period of 2024.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels also remained high, exceeding acceptable limits by over eight times, while Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels dropped to zero at several locations, posing a threat to aquatic life. Experts have voiced skepticism regarding the reported improvements, suggesting a potential change in methodology by DPCC, especially given the typically low river flow during these months and visual evidence of continued pollution.

These reports follow a directive from the National Green Tribunal for DPCC to share water quality data. While initiatives like the Okhla sewage treatment plant's full operation may contribute, activists point to apparent discrepancies, such as improved BOD readings in November and December despite visible frothing and stench, raising questions about the data's reliability.