The Delhi Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to the Rs.1,358 crore Yamuna interceptor sewer project that seeks to cut pollution in the river.
Informing the media about the decision, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said under the project 59 km of interceptor sewers would be constructed along three major drains and seven pumping stations will be set up to intercept and carry the waste water to the sewage treatment plants so that treated effluent is discharged into the Yamuna.
The project, the Chief Minister said, has received all necessary clearances.
On completion, the project will help in curbing pollution in the Yamuna thereby improving the hygiene of the residents of the city and paving the way for development of a river front and greater potential in tourism.
An agreement has already been signed between the Delhi Jal Board and Engineers India Limited for the project. The interceptor will be laid along three major drains - Najafgarh, supplementary and Shahdara -- which together account for about 70 per cent of all discharge into the Yamuna.
The field investigations, detailed feasibility report, detailed project report and land allotment work have been completed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Delhi Development Authority.
As for the finances, it was stated that of the total cost of Rs.1357.71 crore, 35 per cent of the capital expenditure or Rs.475.20 crore would be released by Urban Development Ministry under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission while 65 per cent be contributed by the Delhi Government. Besides, HUDCO has in principle sanctioned a loan of Rs.800 crore for the project.
The project assumes significance as pollutants from Delhi are responsible for polluting the Yamuna in a big way. The river enters Delhi near Palla, traverses about 48 km and leaves the Capital at Okhla. The 22 km stretch from Wazirabad barrage to Okhla is the most polluted stretch due to discharge of sewage from 18 main drains in this section. The project is expected to improve the water quality in the river.
The Cabinet also decided to recommend to the Lieutenant-Governor to summon the Monsoon Session of the Delhi Assembly from August 17. There will be five sittings during the session and it will end on August 23.
