In a major step to reduce pollution in the Yamuna River, the Delhi government has announced plans to set up 27 new Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in the city’s redevelopment areas by the end of this year. These plants are expected to stop untreated industrial waste and sewage from reaching the river.
At present, Delhi has 13 CETPs serving 17 industrial zones, treating about 200 million litres of wastewater daily. However, many of these plants have failed to meet pollution standards, especially in removing toxic heavy metals that flow into stormwater drains and eventually pollute the Yamuna.
The decision to build new CETPs was made after a meeting between central and state officials, who raised concerns over the poor condition of the river. Environmental activist Varun Gulati also pointed out that earlier promises to install CETPs in redeveloped areas were not kept, making this latest plan crucial for the city’s environment.
Along with the new plants, the government will also use drone technology to survey and remove illegal encroachments along major drains, which further block water flow and worsen pollution.
Officials hope these combined efforts will help reduce the amount of untreated waste entering the Yamuna and restore its health.