Delhi Environment Minister stresses on eliminating water pollution

New Delhi: “Our primary focus is on cleaning River Yamuna and eliminating waste from the local water bodies across the city in the next five years so that effluents from these water bodies are removed before flowing into the river,” asserted newly appointed Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

The minister was taking stock of the sewage treatment plants (STP) in the National Capital during an interaction with the media at Delhi Gate on Saturday.

“Once we are successful in achieving this goal, we will also work on developing the riverfront of the Yamuna,” he added.

The minister informed that there were around 35 STPs across Delhi. These are working on eliminating pollutants from water bodies through technologically advanced mechanisms. 

These plants, he said are working on purifying untreated water, generating gases that run these sewage plants and extracting waste from the water which can be made into compost for agricultural use. 

“Our focus is solely on eliminating water pollution from the city,” he said.

The treatment of Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, he said was under process. These two drains contribute about 60% of the total pollution being discharged into the river. 

Under the treatment process, the Delhi Government is implementing the Interceptor Sewer Project (ISP) in six packages under which the wastewater flowing in these drains will be trapped and will be diverted to STPs for treatment. The Interceptor Sewer Project is likely to be completed by March 31 this year.

Earlier, after taking the charge of his ministry, Rai had chaired a high-level meeting with officials of the Delhi government environment department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee to formulate action plans on resolving environmental issues in Delhi.