New Delhi, March 18: The government has intensified its campaign to clean the Yamuna River in the national capital. BJP legislator Anil Goyal provided detailed insights on the issue, stating that the pink and white foam visible in the river is not a new problem but a result of years of accumulated ‘legacy waste.’
He explained that the primary cause of foam formation in the Yamuna is a chemical reaction. When industrial waste, sewage, or other pollutants mix with water, foam is generated. Additionally, foam is produced when fast-flowing water collides with banks or structures, such as the Kalindi area barrage. The pink or white foam seen is a consequence of long-standing waste accumulation.
Anil Goyal accused previous Delhi governments, whether Congress or the Aam Aadmi Party, of failing to take substantial action over the past 27 years, resulting in the current serious situation.
He stated that the Delhi government is now taking several steps to rectify this issue. Large-scale efforts are underway to manage industrial waste and sewage, particularly in areas that previously lacked sewage systems. The process of installing 35 decentralized sewage treatment plants (STPs) has begun.
Furthermore, 11 out of the 22 major drains that discharge into the Yamuna have been tapped in the past year to prevent dirty water from flowing directly into the river. Work is ongoing on the remaining drains.
Strict actions are also being taken against polluting industries. The Delhi Pollution Control Board is cracking down on units that discharge untreated industrial waste and chemicals into the river.
Anil Goyal noted that the Delhi budget has prioritized water and sewage infrastructure. Approximately ₹9,000 crores were allocated to this sector in the last budget, along with ₹500 crores for upgrading sewage treatment plants.
He also mentioned that for the first time, a significant drainage master plan worth ₹57,000 crores has been prepared, aimed at strengthening drainage and cleaning systems in the future. Additionally, the central government is running a special scheme for the cleaning of the Yamuna.
The BJP legislator revealed that new modern machines have been brought in for the river’s cleaning. These machines were recently inaugurated by the Chief Minister and are now operational. The entire process will take time, as desilting the drains and improving the sewage system is a lengthy endeavor. However, the government is consistently working in this direction.
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