- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:57 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Despite the conclusion of the assembly elections and the formation of a new BJP government in Delhi, politics surrounding the cleaning of the Yamuna River continues unabated. While the administration claims progress through collaboration with the central government and neighbouring states, concerns regarding transparency have emerged. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), which typically releases monthly pollution data for the river, drains, and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), has not yet made the report for November 2025 public.
Data Vacuum And Inconsistency
The absence of data has drawn criticism from experts and the opposition.
Missing Reports: While two reports were issued in October, no data has been released for November regarding the Yamuna or the drains flowing into it.
STP Data Gap: No performance report for STPs has been released since September, despite the inauguration of upgraded facilities in October.
October Fluctuations: Pollution levels had significantly decreased during the monsoon due to floods but began rising again in early October.
October 9 Report: Showed high pollution, leading to opposition attacks on the government.
October 20 Report: Issued during Chhath, this report showed reduced pollution levels, attributed to the release of additional water from Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage.
Government Stance: "Significant Improvement"
Delhi's Water Minister, Pravesh Verma, has countered opposition criticism by citing the October 20 data, claiming that the Yamuna's condition has improved compared to previous years.
Action Taken: The Minister stated that 20 lakh tonnes of silt have been removed from drains flowing into the river.
Collaborative Approach: The new administration highlights a coordinated effort with the Centre and neighbouring states to tackle the crisis.
Status Of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
Delhi operates 37 STPs, but many have historically underperformed. Following a 2015 NGT order (originally targeting completion by December 2017), upgrade work is finally progressing.
Recently Completed And Inaugurated (Oct 9):
- Kesopur (Phase-2 And 3)
- Kondli (Phase-4)
- Rohini
- Coronation Pillar (Phase-1, 2 And 3)
- Narela
- Yamuna Vihar (Phase-2)
- Najafgarh
Previously Completed: Rithala (Phase-2), Pappankalan, and Nilothi.
Pending (Target: December 2026): Okhla (Phase-5), Ghitorni, Vasant Kunj, Yamuna Vihar (Phase-1 And 3), and Kesopur (Phase-1).
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Experts Demand Transparency
Environmentalists have expressed strong displeasure over the lack of regular data.
Pankaj Kumar (Earth Warriors): Emphasised that transparency is vital and the public must receive regular updates on pollution levels.
BS Rawat (SANDRP): Stated that the DPCC must rectify reporting shortcomings, release data regularly, and increase testing parameters.
DPCC Internal Issue: DPCC member Dr Anil Gupta assured that he would raise the issue of missing reports at the next committee meeting. notably, no meeting of the committee has been held since July.
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