The Yamuna Reborn: Delhi's Ambitious ₹1,500 Crore Cleanup

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a ₹1,500-crore initiative to clean the Yamuna River and upgrade the state’s sewage infrastructure. The plan includes constructing 40 decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPs), modernising existing facilities, and investing in advanced equipment to combat pollution.

To prevent untreated sewage from entering the Yamuna, the government will establish 40 decentralised STPs at a cost of ₹500 crore. These will treat wastewater at the source, significantly reducing pollution. Additionally, ₹500 crore has been allocated to upgrade existing STPs and enhance their capacity. “The Yamuna is not just a river; it is our cultural and historical heritage. Cleaning the Yamuna is a key part of our manifesto and remains a top priority in this budget,” CM Gupta stated in her Budget speech.

Further investments include ₹500 crore for sewage treatment plant repairs and development, ₹250 crore for replacing aging sewer lines, and ₹250 crore for improving citywide water treatment plants. To strengthen sewage management, ₹20 crore will be used to acquire sludge and blockage removal machines, while ₹10 crore is earmarked for renovating the Wazirabad trunk sewer.

To further curb pollution, ₹250 crore has been allocated for a drain-tapping project to divert and treat wastewater from major drains. The Najafgarh Drain, a major pollutant, will undergo a ₹200 crore transformation, focusing on conversion and interception. Additionally, ₹40 crore has been set aside for modern cleaning equipment, including trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredging machines, ensuring long-term river maintenance.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.