New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, directing all stakeholders to increase the capacity of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in Delhi to 1500 million gallons per day (MGD) by 2028.

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Manohar Lal (Housing and Urban Affairs), CR Patil (Jal Shakti), Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, senior officials from the Delhi government, the Union Home Secretary, and secretaries from relevant ministries.

In a strong push for inter-state collaboration, Shah called upon Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to work together in cleaning the river. He emphasised regularity and transparency in water quality testing at Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and insisted on third-party verification of the treated water being discharged.

'Efforts from all three states are essential for the Yamuna's rejuvenation. Chemicals and untreated waste flowing into the river from outside Delhi must also be addressed collectively,' Shah stated.

Highlighting key measures to combat water pollution, Shah instructed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to adopt an 'action mode' approach. He also urged the Delhi government to take stringent and continuous steps to curb pollution from industrial units, especially those operating illegally.

Focusing on the critical role of the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, the Home Minister recommended conducting drone surveys to better assess pollution levels. He also stressed the need to improve the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in these major drains.

Shah suggested that the Delhi government increase its efforts under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), including a budget enhancement to boost ongoing initiatives. He also proposed the development of city reservoirs to collect rainwater, which he said would not only improve water availability but also promote tourism.

Addressing the issue of waste management, Shah recommended that the Delhi government collaborate with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to manage waste from dairies and cow shelters, and to regulate unauthorised dairy units across the capital.

He also underlined the importance of increasing the environmental flow (e-flow) of the Yamuna. He urged the Delhi government to coordinate with Uttar Pradesh to ensure better flow of water when the river enters Delhi. He added that treated water from the Okhla STP should be released downstream to improve river water quality.

To ensure long-term water security, Shah called for a comprehensive survey of Delhi's water supply system to assess demand and distribution across the city.

He flagged unregulated groundwater extraction through borewells as a major concern and instructed the Delhi Jal Board to prepare an actionable plan for phased regularisation.

'Uncontrolled water extraction through borewells is a big problem in Delhi, on which the Delhi Jal Board needs to work by making an action plan. These borewells should be regularised in a phased manner,' Shah was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for time-bound implementation of initiatives, enhanced inter-state coordination, and improved monitoring systems to restore the health of the Yamuna. (ANI)