• Source:JND
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The upgradation and capacity expansion of eight Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Delhi is set to significantly aid in the cleaning of the Yamuna river. The initiative aims to improve the quality of treated water to a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 10 milligrams per liter.

On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the eight upgraded STPs. This is part of a larger, ongoing effort to tackle the primary causes of the river's pollution.

Background And Challenges

A major cause of the Yamuna's pollution is the direct flow of untreated sewage into the river. While Delhi has 37 STPs for sewage treatment, most do not operate at their full capacity or meet current standards. Additionally, the lack of sewer lines in numerous unauthorised colonies and villages contributes to the problem, though work to lay these lines is now being expedited.

The project to upgrade the STPs has faced significant delays. A proposal to upgrade 18 plants was first prepared in 2015 following an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), with an original completion deadline of December 2017. While the upgradation of the Rithala Phase-II, Pappankalan, and Nilothi plants was completed, the project remains behind schedule.

The target to complete the upgradation for the Okhla Phase-V, Ghitorni, Vasant Kunj, Yamuna Vihar Phase-I, Keshavpur Phase-I, and Yamuna Vihar Phase-III STPs is now set for December of next year.

Official Statements

According to Delhi's Water Minister, Pravesh Verma, older STPs were designed to meet a standard of 30 mg per liter BOD. "Now, all new plants are being built to the 10 mg per liter BOD standard, and all old STPs are also being upgraded to meet this same benchmark," he stated.

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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that to clean the Yamuna, water from all drains will be diverted to and treated by STPs. "For this purpose, a drone survey of every drain has been conducted," she noted, adding that Delhi is receiving financial assistance from the central government for this work.

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Eight STPs inaugurated after completion of upgradation and capacity expansion works.

STP Upgradation and Capacity Expansion Works (Total Expenditure: Rs. 1416.49 Crore)
STP Upgradation and Capacity Expansion Expenditure (Rs. Crore)
Keshopur Phase 2 and 3 40 MGD to 60 MGD 504.12
Kondli Phase 4 45 MGD 288.38
Rohini 15 MGD to 25 MGD 147.06
Coronation Pillar Phases 1 and 2 20 MGD 138.38
Coronation Pillar Phase 3 10 MGD 91.79
Narela 10 MGD to 15 MGD 104.15
Yamuna Vihar Phase 2 10 MGD to 15 MGD 78.90
Najafgarh 5 MGD 63.71
Total Upgradation to 215 MGD and increase by 40 MGD 1416.49

Inauguration Of Drinking Water Projects

Inauguration of drinking water projects (Total expenditure: Rs 99.1 crore)
Project Capacity Expenditure (Rs. Crore)
Palla Underground Reservoir/Booster Pumping Station 3.71 crore litres 45.95
Siraspur Reservoir/Booster Pumping Station 1.24 crore litres 32.65
Bijwasan Underground Reservoir/Booster Pumping Station 91 lakh litres 20.50
Total , 99.1

Foundation Stone Laying For Sewer Line And Domestic Sewer Connection

Foundation stone laying for sewer lines and household sewer connections (Total expenditure: Rs 301.1 crore)
Project Expenditure (Rs. Crore)
sewer line in Karawal Nagar 69.97
sewer line in Hasanpur 51.43
Sewer line in Tajpur Khurd 41.32
Waste pipeline in Yamuna Vihar 29.63
Sewer connection in Rahaula 52.93
Sewer Connection in Gokulpur 21.86
sewer connection in vikaspuri 21.17
Sewer connection in Kamruddin Nagar 12.79
Total 301.1