Chandigarh, April 24
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the state government aims to ensure that no untreated water enters the Yamuna River by the end of 2027. He made the remarks while reviewing measures being taken by various departments to curb pollution and directed officials to accelerate efforts and strengthen coordination.
Addressing the meeting, Saini said the existing infrastructure is being expanded to improve treatment capacity. “The effort is to ensure that not a single drop of untreated water flows into the Yamuna,” he said, adding that departments must work in coordination and new sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants, and common effluent treatment plants should be set up wherever required.
According to officials, 91 sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 1,543 million litres per day are currently operational in the Yamuna catchment area. Of these, 41 plants with a capacity of 593 million litres per day have been established in the past five years, while 11 more are under construction.
Pollution Control Board Chairman J Ganesan informed that some industrial units were not operating their effluent treatment systems to reduce costs and were discharging untreated water. In certain cases, untreated waste was allegedly dumped into village ponds using tankers. Taking note of the violations, the chief minister directed strict action and emphasized that industries must treat waste before discharge.
Saini also directed the installation of common effluent treatment plants on all 11 major drains leading to the Yamuna to ensure industrial waste is treated before entering the river. He said corporate social responsibility funds could be used if needed. Eight new treatment plants with a combined capacity of 147.5 million litres per day will be set up at locations in Faridabad, Gurugram, Panipat and Sonipat.
Officials further informed that around 211 million litres of untreated water per day flows into Haryana from Delhi through certain drains and is treated before being returned. Saini said he will hold discussions with the Delhi chief minister to resolve the issue and ensure that only treated water is discharged into the Yamuna. The state government said it will continue to monitor progress and strengthen enforcement to achieve the target of a pollution-free Yamuna within the set timeline.
