Delhi's Waterways on the Brink: DJB's Bold Plan to Clean Barapullah Drains

Delhi's lifeline, the Yamuna River, has long suffered under the weight of urban pollution, a grim reality starkly highlighted by the state of its tributaries. Among these, the Barapullah drain stands as a significant culprit, channeling untreated sewage and industrial waste directly into the river.

However, a glimmer of hope has emerged as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of a comprehensive and ambitious plan: the implementation of "in-situ" sewage treatment for a staggering 43 drains that relentlessly pollute the Barapullah.

This groundbreaking initiative is a direct response to a critical NGT observation, which took serious note of a report detailing the continuous discharge of untreated sewage into the Barapullah drain.

The tribunal, acting as a custodian of environmental justice, emphasized the urgent need for robust, scientific solutions and a clear, time-bound action plan to tackle this persistent environmental menace. The DJB's counsel has assured the NGT that detailed project reports (DPRs) for several of these drains are actively under preparation, signaling a serious commitment to moving from planning to execution.

The concept of "in-situ" treatment is particularly innovative, focusing on purifying wastewater directly at the source, within the drain itself, before it can cause further harm.

This approach complements existing infrastructure, such as sewage treatment plants (STPs), which are already operational in areas like Coronation Pillar and Okhla. However, the sheer volume of untreated sewage, particularly from unauthorized colonies and JJ clusters that often lack proper sewerage networks, overwhelms these facilities, necessitating a multi-pronged strategy.

The DJB's strategy involves a dual approach: not only will in-situ treatment plants be deployed, but there will also be efforts to intercept and divert sewage from other drains to existing and upcoming STPs.

This holistic plan aims to create a cleaner ecosystem for the Barapullah, subsequently preventing the further degradation of the Yamuna River, which is crucial for the city's environmental health and the well-being of its residents.

This move by the DJB, under the watchful eye of the NGT, represents a critical turning point in Delhi's ongoing battle against water pollution.

It underscores a renewed determination to restore the ecological balance of its waterways and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for the national capital. The coming months will be crucial as these plans transition into tangible actions, with the city eagerly awaiting the promised revitalization of its once-pristine rivers.