Rising Fecal Coliform in Yamuna: Delhi’s Health at Severe Risk

National News: The condition of the Yamuna River, which is called the lifeline of Delhi, is getting worse day by day. Surprisingly, now it is not just the drains or industries that are polluting the river, but the sewage treatment plants (STPs) that were built to release clean water. Most of the 'treated' water falling into the Yamuna is actually so polluted that instead of cleaning the river, it is making it more poisonous.

2015 to 2025: A decade's delay, still incomplete work

In 2015, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had ordered the Delhi Jal Board to upgrade all STPs with modern technology by December 2017. But even after 10 years, only 12 out of 37 STPs are such that they meet the environmental standards. The remaining 25 plants are still spewing poor-quality water into the Yamuna.

Faecal pollution even in treated water

The recent report of DPCC shows that the amount of bacteria called fecal coliform in the water coming out of most STPs is many times more than the standards. According to scientific standards, the amount of coliform in 100 ml of water should be a maximum of 230 MPN, whereas the figure for many plants is in the thousands. This situation is a danger signal not only for Yamuna but also for public health.

Advanced but failed: Upgradation just a show?

Delhi Jal Board claims that many STPs, like Rithala, Najafgarh, Nilothi, Kondli, Pappankalan, Keshavpur, and Coronation Pillar, have been upgraded. But according to social activists and environmentalists, most of these plants are also releasing poor-quality water. Kondli STP is the latest example of this, from where the flowing water is further polluting Yamuna.

Money spent, but results missing

Every day, about 792 MGD (million gallons per day) of sewage is generated in Delhi, out of which 640 MGD is 'treated.' But the question arises that if even after treatment, the water is coming out polluted, then who will give account of the crores of rupees spent in the name of upgradation?

The reality is that lack of funds, technical complexities, and administrative negligence have hollowed out the entire system. The Jal Board has already been accused of corruption, due to which the Finance Department has stopped the funds many times.

If Yamuna is to be saved, then we need changes, not excuses

Today, the Yamuna River has turned into a drain. This river will not be saved by mere announcements. Until the STPs work with full capacity and quality, the dream of cleaning the Yamuna will remain alive only in reports.