DPCC Report: Monsoon, Cleanup Efforts Lead To Cleaner Yamuna Waters Across Delhi

Delhi’s Yamuna has witnessed a notable improvement in water quality this monsoon due to record rainfall and ongoing river-cleaning initiatives. Floodwaters have helped wash away pollutants, making the river cleaner in most parts of the city compared to previous years.

While monsoon seasons typically reduce pollution levels in the Yamuna, this year’s improvement is unprecedented. In August 2023, during severe flooding, pollution levels had not dropped as significantly.

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The cleaning drive, which began in February following the BJP’s assembly election victory, includes upgrading Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and cleaning drains that feed into the river. 

Despite these efforts, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reported in July that pollution had surged, with the worst condition near the ITO Barrage, where faecal coliform levels reached a record 92 lakh MPN per 100 ml.

September’s report shows a dramatic improvement. Faecal coliform levels near ITO have now dropped to 1,800 MPN, well below the unsafe threshold of 2,500 MPN. Other water quality indicators also show progress.

• Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), which should be three mg per litre or less in clean water, is now below 3 mg at Palla, 3.5 mg at Wazirabad, and under 10 mg at most other locations. Only the Okhla Barrage remains high at 13.5 mg.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO), ideally five mg per litre or more, is within standards at most locations, including Palla (9.5 mg) and Wazirabad (5.9 mg).

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Experts attribute the improvement to the opening of all gates at the ITO Barrage and the removal of silt from several parts of the riverbed, which have enhanced water flow and reduced pollution levels.

DPCC's September Report: