CPCB monitors frothing in Yamuna, directs DJB, DPCC & State authorities to file report

CPCB monitors frothing in Yamuna

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) monitors the water quality of the Yamuna river. The Board recently carried out the inspection of 22 drains discharging into the river and indicated that 14 drains including those in Sonia Vihar, Najafgarh, Shastri Park, Shahdara, are found untapped, discharging sewage. Whereas five drains are 100 per cent tapped and no flow at downward of interception observed and two drains were found tapped but overflow in the river. One of the drains, drain no. 14, was observed to have no flow at all. Due to partially treated or untreated discharge of sewage and industrial effluent containing phosphorus, many times, foaming also is observed.

CPCB monitors frothing in YamunaIn the past, CPCB observed froth formation and increase in ammonia levels in river Yamuna because of discharge of untreated sewage, non-operation of existing Sewage Treatment Plants, improper functioning of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) installed by the industries and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) located on the banks of river Yamuna.

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Following the monitoring, CPCB directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to submit a time-bound action plan to ensure compliance to norms by STPs and that no untreated sewage is discharged to these drains. Moreover, the Board directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against non-complying Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and industrial units. Similar directions have also been issued to State Pollution Control Boards of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

CPCB, keeping in view the grave situation, issued reminders on December 6 today to the concerned agencies to submit action taken report by December 15, 2020.

(With inputs from PIB)