The Hindu : New Delhi News : Committee calls for immediate cleaning of the Yamuna

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Thursday, Sep 18, 2008
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New Delhi

Committee calls for immediate cleaning of the Yamuna

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Proposes green belt along banks of river;
separate channels to receive filthy water

NEW DELHI: Taking a serious view of the Yamuna’s degradation and depletion of the green area on the Ridge here in the Capital, a committee set up by the Delhi Assembly has suggested removal of all encroachments within the riverbed and the Ridge area with immediate effect.

In a report presented in the Assembly recently, the committee headed by Surender Pal Singh has asked all the departments concerned to pay special attention to river cleaning operations.

The committee has proposed that green belts be developed along the banks of the river and separate channels be created to receive the filthy water that falls into it.

Expressing concern over “increasing level of pollution in the Yamuna”, the committee has suggested that all efforts to clean the river be given top priority.

Asking the State Flood Control Department, Delhi Jal Board, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, and the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation to work jointly, the committee has directed stakeholders to take all possible steps to curtail contamination of the river water.

Directing the DDA to remove all encroachments from within the riverbed, the committee has proposed development of the sites as tourist and pilgrim centres. Pointing out that the river is revered in the country and abroad, the committee has proposed development of certain areas along the riverbed as tourist spots. It has recommended laying of sewer lines in all unauthorised colonies and villages to prevent the filth and refuse from entering the river in the absence of a proper sewerage system in these localities.

In a separate report, the committee has recommended water harvesting and installation of sewage treatment plants at hotels and commercial malls which have a capacity of more than 10 kilolitres of sewage disposal. Asserting that monitoring work is a must for maintaining environmental balance, the committee has demanded surveillance against illegal mining and action against those found guilty.

It has expressed concern over the shrinking green area on the Ridge and increasing encroachment for construction purposes. Noting that petrol pumps, malls, hospitals and public schools have come up in the Ridge areas, the committee has called for removal of all encroachments.

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