In a recent meeting of the finance department’s Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), a proposal by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB)  to curb the flow of untreated sewage into the Yamuna River was discussed. The proposal suggested the construction of 40 decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) and the extension of sewer lines to outer Delhi at an estimated cost of ₹3,104.57 crore. This is said to cover approximately 416 unauthorised colonies and a total of 115 villages across seven constituencies of Delhi. If the proposal is approved, it can benefit approximately 35 lakh residents of the capital city.

The Delhi Jal Board outlined a comprehensive plan to provide sewage coverage in areas, including Nazafgarh, Chhatarpur, Matiala, Bijwasan, Mundka, Narela, and Bawana constituencies. Untreated sewage from these localities flows directly into open drains, which eventually lead to the river Yamuna.

DJB Chief Calls for Action

“Currently, sewage from unauthorised colonies and villages is polluting Yamuna and causing unhygienic conditions in the street… After the installation of the sewage systems, sewage will be diverted into the DJB network, improving sanitary conditions and significantly reducing pollution levels,” said DJB’s chief engineer (nodal)-drainage to the national press.

The project will chiefly be funded under the centre’s Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. A three-month planning period will be followed by an 18-month execution period, including the monsoon days of the year 2025-26. The total amount earmarked for the project is ₹613.4. crore.