CPCB raises concern on pollution in Yamuna; asks Delhi, other states for effective sewage treatment
Dec 06, 2020
New Delhi [India], December 6 : The Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB) on Sunday raised concern on pollution and frothing in Yamuna River and asked Delhi and other states to implement effective sewage treatment.
CPCB, which monitors the water quality of Yamuna river and drains discharging into the river, observed froth formation and increase in ammonia levels in river Yamuna because of discharge of untreated sewage, non-operation of existing Sewage Treatment Plants, improper functioning of Effluent Treatment Plants(ETPs) installed by the industries and Common Effluent Treatment Plants(CETPs) located on the banks of river Yamuna, stated an official statement by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The statement mentioned that presently 22 drains are being monitored, indicated that 14 drains (Sonia Vihar, Najafgarh, Shastri Park, Shahdara, etc.) are found untapped, discharging sewage.
"While 5 drains are 100 per cent tapped and no flow at downward of interception observed, drains were found to be tapped but overflow into river Yamuna was observed. One drain has no flow at all. Due to partially/untreated discharge of sewage and industrial effluent containing phosphorus, many times, foaming also is observed," it added.
Taking cognisance of this, the CPCB issued directions to Delhi Jal Board to submit a time-bound action plan to ensure compliance to norms by Status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and that no untreated sewage is discharged to these drains.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee(DPCC) has been also been directed to take action against non-complying Common Effluent Treatment Plants(CETPs) and industrial units. Similar directions have also been issued to State Pollution Control Boards of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
In view of the importance of the issues, reminders have been issued today to concerned agencies to submit action taken report by December 15, 2020, the statement of Environment Ministry informed.
