The Hindu : New Delhi News : Jal Board to take up Yamuna issue

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New Delhi

Jal Board to take up Yamuna issue

Staff Reporter

To seek pollution control bodies’ intervention
Two treatment plants closed recently

NEW DELHI: Faced with the recurring problem of contaminants released into the Yamuna by industries in Haryana, the Delhi Jal Board has decided to take up the issue with the Central Pollution Control Board and the Haryana Pollution Control Board this coming week.

The water utility has in the past too sought intervention of the two pollution control bodies to direct the Haryana Government to ensure that no industrial effluents find their way into the river.

On Thursday, high levels of pollution in the Yamuna forced the closure of two water treatment plants affecting supply in several parts of the Capital. “The high levels of ammonia and other contaminants in the water forced us to shut down production at Wazirabad, which has a capacity of 120 million gallons per day, and at Chandrawal, which produces 90 MGD,” said a Jal Board official.

Consequently, water supply to NDMC areas, parts of South Delhi, Central Delhi and West Delhi were affected till late on Friday.

Referring to the cause of contamination, the Jal Board official said: “Like on several occasions in the past, this time too it is because of effluents from industries in Sonepat and Panipat being released directly into the Yamuna.”

“Drain No. 8 that is used for release of untreated waste from the industries was heavily silted. Instead of clearing it up, the waste was allowed to enter the river from where we lift water for portable use,” the official said.

Though there was some improvement in the quality of raw water on Friday, the Jal Board will take up the issue with the Central Pollution Control Board and the Haryana Pollution Control Board.

“Water supply was normal by Saturday morning. But since the two plants have remained shut for an entire day there will be problem in supply in Karol Bagh, NDMC area, Paharganj, Azad Market, Civil Lines, Metcalf House, Hindu Rao Hospital, Rajendra Nagar, Patel Nagar, Baljeet Nagar and South Delhi,” the official added.

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