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Monsoon Dilutes Yamuna Pollution: Delhi Sees Water Quality Boost
18 Sep
Summary
- Faecal coliform levels significantly dropped in August due to monsoon rains.
- Despite improvements, pollution levels at several points exceeded standards.
- Dissolved oxygen improved, but BOD remained high across most river stretches.
The Yamuna River in Delhi experienced a notable improvement in water quality during August, as increased monsoon rainfall diluted pollution levels. Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee revealed a significant reduction in faecal coliform counts across various monitoring points. At Asgarpur, faecal coliform dropped from 320,000 MPN/100ml in July to 3,600 MPN/100ml in August.
This improvement was also evident in dissolved oxygen levels, which had been critically low in July but became measurable across affected stretches in August. However, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) remained high in most areas, indicating a persistent pollution load. The river only met standards in its upper stretches, with levels exceeding the less than 2,500 MPN/100ml CPCB standard at exit points.
Comparisons with the previous year also showed positive trends, though pollution from drains entering the river between Wazirabad and Okhla continues to be a major concern. Asgarpur consistently recorded the highest levels of BOD, COD, phosphate, and faecal coliform, highlighting the cumulative impact of sewage and pollutants as the river flows through the city.
