New Delhi: Despite Delhi enjoying relatively cleaner air in recent weeks the state of its water bodies remains a growing concern. A new report from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has revealed alarming levels of pollution in the Yamuna River, with faecal coliform bacteria indicative of untreated sewage found to be over 4,000 times the safe limit.
According to the July 17 status report, faecal coliform counts at key points such as the ITO Bridge reached a staggering 92,00,000 MPN/100 ml, compared to the permissible limit of 2,500 MPN/100 ml set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Similar dangerously high levels were observed downstream at Nizamuddin, Okhla, and Agra Canal, underscoring the worsening contamination along the river’s 22-kilometre journey through the national capital.
The river’s Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) a key indicator of organic pollution has also surged, with the stretch between Palla and ITO reaching up to 70 mg/l, far exceeding the acceptable limit of 3 mg/l. Higher BOD signifies a greater presence of biodegradable material, which depletes oxygen levels necessary for aquatic life.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels have plummeted as well, with figures dropping below safe limits even at upstream locations like Wazirabad. At several downstream sites, DO levels fell to zero, making parts of the river practically uninhabitable for fish and other aquatic organisms.
Officials report that 22 major drains continue to discharge into the Yamuna, and many remain only partially treated, despite ongoing government interventions and court orders. The DPCC’s latest data collected from eight monitoring stations including Palla, ISBT, and Asgarpur marks a clear regression from June figures, where BOD and faecal coliform levels were comparatively lower.
Environmental experts warn that if untreated waste discharge continues unchecked, the Yamuna could cross a point of no return in terms of ecological recovery. Authorities are under increasing pressure to fully tap all drains and ensure that sewage treatment plants function efficiently.
The Yamuna pollution has been a matter of concern for decades, but the July figures mark one of the most severe spikes in recent years. As the city braces for the monsoon’s runoff effects experts stress that only aggressive infrastructure improvements real-time monitoring, and political will can prevent Delhi’s lifeline from turning into a toxic channel beyond redemption.