In 1858, the foul odour emanating from the Thames River disrupted Parliamentary proceedings to such an extent that lawmakers resorted to using handkerchiefs soaked in vinegar for relief. Swift action ensued, and London swiftly implemented a comprehensive sewage treatment system within a few years. However, contrastingly, the Yamuna River seems to embody an endless drain on taxpayers’ money, with little respite evident even in 2024.
A recent report from the ‘Times of India,’ dated February 19, 2024, once again underscores the dire state of the Yamuna River, with faecal coliform levels soaring to an alarming 2500 MPN/ml, well above the desirable level of 500 MPN/ml. Delhi alone contributes a staggering 792 MGD of sewage to the river, overwhelming the grossly insufficient capacity of existing sewage treatment plants. Shockingly, it is reported that out of 36 treatment plants, only nine have a disinfection system, with a mere four functioning partially. Consequently, Delhi continues to discharge untreated sewage into the Yamuna, despite the implementation of three Yamuna Action Plans dating back to 1993.
In 2006, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) initially proposed laying 150 kilometres of sewers to intercept minor drains, but by 2007, this plan was revised down to 115 kilometres. The interceptor sewer system was designed to capture sewage currently flowing into stormwater drains, with the aim of enhancing the overall quality of the river. The project was divided into six packages, slated for completion by March 31, 2020. However, it has encountered significant delays and garnered severe criticism from independent bodies like the Centre for Science and Environment.
Critics have pointed to several flaws in the project, including an unrealistic assessment of sewage flows that failed to account for groundwater supply, a hardware-centric approach that overlooked holistic solutions, and a lack of integration in addressing the linkages between water, sewage, and pollution. These shortcomings led to the project being stalled by the National Green Tribunal in 2020.
In response to the Tribunal’s intervention, the DJB was directed to devise a time-bound plan to tap into 134 drains from slum areas that were not covered by the Interceptor Sewer Project, as these colonies were authorized settlements. Additionally, a report by the project consultant, EIL, revealed that 204 drains within the Interceptor Sewer Project covered areas were not included in the original plan for trapping sewage.
These revelations cast doubt on the Interceptor Sewer Project’s ability to achieve its objective of restoring the Yamuna to a state free from pollution and foul odour. This also shows that a pure hardware-centric approach, despite looking attractive, is unlikely to yield results.
The Yamuna is a classic case of a river subjected to human greed without accounting for the river’s ecological and minimum flow needs. To retain some flow in the river, it is important to implement softer measures like water conservation in drinking water as well as agriculture sectors, wastewater management through proper treatment, recycling, and reuse, improved water management, stricter industrial effluent regulation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Allow me to share my personal connection to this topic. In 2008, our company, DHI (India), received a commission from the National River Conservation Directorate under the Ministry of Environment. Our task was to develop a Water Quality Modelling-assisted Decision Support System to aid in decision-making regarding the Yamuna River. Utilizing DHI’s proprietary software, Mike 11 and Ecolab, we conducted modeling studies to project various scenarios.
The modelling showed that a fully implemented interceptor sewer or a complete diversion of wastewater collected from Delhi through a separately constructed canal, treated to a level of BOD 20 mg/litre for reuse in agriculture, could both be effective in improving the current State of affair but not without the softer measures brought out above. We have to acknowledge that besides humans, the river is also a stakeholder with a right to conserve its aquatic and land diversity in its environs. If it involves some unpopular measures like realistic tariffs, stricter implementation of regulations, continuous vigil, and monitoring, and forced water conservation, so be it.
Nearly fifteen years later, as a citizen of Delhi, I find it depressing that the issues persist because of decision-makers’ continued preference for hardware without contemplating why the implementation of hardware alone has continuously failed to yield results and the stink continues!
Based on my experience with the Danish International Development Agency, I’ve learned that complex issues can be effectively addressed through collaborative partnerships involving the government, NGOs, the private sector, and the public. For instance, imagine a scenario where the government incentivizes Corporate Social Responsibility projects in collaboration with NGOs, focusing specifically on the heavily polluted 22-kilometer stretch of the river. Together, they could develop a range of recreational and environmental initiatives such as amusement parks, biodiversity reserves, aquariums, water parks, and even Jurassic-themed attractions, all built sustainably using recycled materials. This could be achieved through Public-Private Partnerships.
Considering the above, here are some proposed steps forward:
Water Conservation
- Intensified efforts to conserve drinking water by reducing unaccounted-for water and implementing realistic tariffs to reduce per capita consumption by 20 percent, supported by enhanced services from the Delhi Jal Board.
- Encouraging farmers along the Yamuna to adopt improved water management practices like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
- Establishing partnerships with farmers to transition to less water-intensive crop management practices, ensuring a 20 percent reduction in water demand to maintain the river’s minimum flow.
Improved Sewerage and STP Management
- Ensuring that all sewage conveyance infrastructure and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are fully operational and monitored continuously, with flow and quality measurements taken at critical points and reported online.
- Implementing third-party audits of all such infrastructure to maintain accountability.
- Strengthening surveillance by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with strict enforcement actions for any lapses.
- Implementing full cost recovery mechanisms for monitoring, quality assurance, quality control, and professional management.
- Facilitating partnerships between government, NGOs, and the private sector to achieve these objectives.
Public-Private Partnerships
As mentioned earlier, the government should encourage Public-Private Partnerships for CSR projects, particularly along the heavily polluted stretch of the river. These projects could transform the area into a series of recreational and environmental attractions, providing opportunities for leisure and education while revitalizing the ecosystem.
Let’s remain hopeful that rational decisions will prevail, leading to tangible improvements in the condition of the Yamuna.
Inspire Positivity 