Mon Dec 01 10:55:37 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yamuna River Still Faces Pollution Woes Despite Billions in Investment

New Delhi, December 1, 2025 – Despite an investment of ₹5,536 crore (approximately $680 million USD) over the past three years by the Delhi Jal Board, the Yamuna River continues to suffer from significant pollution problems, according to the Jal Shakti Ministry.

In a statement released today, the ministry cited untreated sewage, a lack of common effluent treatment plants in industrial areas, project delays, and a major shortfall in solid waste processing as the primary culprits behind the river’s degraded state.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary revealed that Delhi faces a sewage treatment gap of 414 MLD (millions of liters per day) as of August 2025. The city also struggles with processing its daily solid waste, treating only 7,641 tonnes out of the 11,862 tonnes generated, leaving a massive 4,221-tonne gap.

The minister did highlight some positive developments. Water quality at Palla, where the Yamuna enters Delhi, shows fluctuations based on water availability and catchment discharge. Data also indicates improved Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in September, falling within healthy limits according to a DPCC assessment.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is providing financial support to states. Under the Namami Gange program, 35 Yamuna rejuvenation projects, totaling ₹6,534 crore and aimed at creating 2,243 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, have been sanctioned. Of these, 21 projects have been completed.

While these efforts represent progress, the report underscores the ongoing challenges in cleaning the Yamuna and the need for continued investment and improved infrastructure.

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