NEW DELHI: The Yamuna River in Delhi has shown a marginal decrease in faecal coliform levels during July, according to data released by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). This slight improvement comes amidst ongoing concerns about the overall water quality of the river, which continues to be significantly impacted by untreated sewage discharge.
The latest reports indicate that while some parameters have seen a minor reduction, the faecal coliform counts at most monitoring points still remain well above the permissible limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The CPCB has established a safe limit of 2,500 Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 ml for faecal coliform, and a desirable level of 500 MPN/100 ml. However, data from various stretches of the Yamuna within Delhi consistently show levels far exceeding these benchmarks.
For instance, at the ITO Bridge, faecal coliform levels have previously been reported at staggering figures, sometimes exceeding permissible limits by over 4,000 times. While recent data suggests a marginal dip from previous highs, the contamination remains severe. Similar trends have been observed at other critical locations like Wazirabad and Nizamuddin Bridge, where faecal coliform counts, though showing some reduction compared to earlier months, are still significantly elevated.
The persistence of high faecal coliform levels is a direct indicator of the continuous inflow of untreated and partially treated sewage into the river. Delhi generates an estimated 3,596 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, and despite the installed capacity of sewage treatment plants (STPs), a substantial amount remains untreated, entering the Yamuna through various drains. Reports indicate that approximately 641 MLD of sewage continues to flow untreated into the river system.
This inadequate treatment capacity and the discharge of raw sewage not only elevate faecal coliform counts but also severely impact other crucial water quality parameters. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, essential for aquatic life, have been found to be at or near zero in several stretches of the river, rendering it biologically dead. Similarly, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), a measure of organic pollution, remains high, further stressing the river’s ecosystem.
The DPCC monitors the Yamuna’s water quality monthly at eight key locations along its course in the capital. These monitoring efforts aim to assess various parameters including BOD, DO, chemical oxygen demand, pH, and faecal coliform content. The data collected is crucial for understanding the pollution load and the effectiveness of remediation efforts.
Despite various initiatives and considerable investment in projects aimed at cleaning the Yamuna, such as the Yamuna Action Plan and the Namami Gange Programme, the river’s condition within Delhi remains a significant concern. Experts and environmentalists attribute the ongoing pollution to a combination of factors, including insufficient sewage treatment capacity, encroachment on floodplains, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and environmental bodies have repeatedly stressed the need for enhanced sewage treatment infrastructure, stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, and a more holistic approach to river management. While the DPCC’s data shows a marginal improvement in faecal coliform levels in July compared to previous months, the overall health of the Yamuna River within Delhi necessitates sustained and comprehensive action to mitigate the persistent pollution challenges.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
