New Delhi: In a major move to revive the Yamuna, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved funding of over Rs 600 crore for the establishment of 11 decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) across the capital. The objective is to curb pollution in the river by boosting sewage treatment capacity, particularly in areas where adequate infrastructure is currently absent.
As part of this expansion, the DJB will also build a modern sewage treatment plant (STP) in Jindpur with a capacity of 15 million gallons per day (MGD), at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore.
Officials revealed that 11 DSTPs, along with sewage pumping stations, will come up in Kair, Kanganheri, Kakrola and Dichaon Kalan, among other sites in the Najafgarh drainage basin. The total expenditure for these facilities will be Rs 283.67 crore, which also covers operation and maintenance for the next 15 years.
Furthermore, decentralized plants will be developed in Galibpur, Saranpur and Shikarpur at a cost of Rs 157.90 crore, while another four will be set up in Hasanpur, Jafarpur, Qazipur and Kheda Dabar for Rs 188.20 crore, each equipped with pumping stations.
According to DJB officials, unlike large conventional STPs, decentralized plants need comparatively less space and financial investment, making them suitable for drains and areas lacking sewage infrastructure. These upcoming facilities are expected to bridge the city’s existing sewage treatment gap.
Currently, Delhi has 37 operational STPs, most of which are managed by private companies under government contracts. However, they are unable to treat the total volume of sewage generated daily, which has necessitated the expansion of the treatment network.
Back in May, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had given the green light for 27 decentralized STPs to be built across the city as part of the larger “Clean Yamuna” initiative. The projects underway are aimed at serving residents of localities such as Najafgarh, Chhattarpur, Matiala, Bijwasan, Mundka and Narela.
With these fresh approvals, authorities are optimistic that they are taking a decisive step towards the long-term revival of the Yamuna, a river that has long been plagued by the discharge of untreated sewage.
