Yamuna to Become Delhi’s Lifeline Once Again: Rekha Government’s Mission-Mode Action Plan

From drone surveillance of drains to new STPs, a multi-dimensional campaign for the Yamuna

Scientific planning, fixed timelines and inter-state coordination to transform the Yamuna

Coordination with neighbouring states essential to make the Yamuna clean: CM Rekha Gupta

Sewage treatment capacity to rise from 814 to 1,500 MGD, Delhi’s largest-ever sewage mission for Yamuna rejuvenation

Mission 2028: All 1,799 unauthorised colonies in Delhi to be connected to the sewer network; no untreated sewage will enter the Yamuna

Drone mapping of two major drains and monthly water quality testing at 47 hotspots

New Delhi, January 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has directed the implementation of a concrete, mission-mode action plan to restore the Yamuna to a clean and free-flowing state. The Chief Minister issued these directions during a high-level review meeting held on Wednesday at the Delhi Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the current condition of the Yamuna, sewage treatment, drain cleaning, and the laying of sewer lines in unauthorised colonies.

The Chief Minister said that the Yamuna is not merely a river, but the lifeline of Delhi. The government is continuously working to rejuvenate it through scientific planning, fixed timelines, and coordination with neighbouring states. The meeting was attended by Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Shri Pravesh Sahib Singh, along with officials from the Delhi Jal Board, PWD, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, DDA, and other concerned departments.

Target to Treat 1,500 MGD of Polluted Water

The Chief Minister said that at present, 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Delhi together treat 814 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater, which meets current requirements. However, keeping future needs in mind, the government has set an ambitious target to increase this capacity to 1,500 MGD.

To achieve this, 56 MGD capacity will be added by upgrading existing machinery by December 2027, while 170 MGD additional capacity will be created through 35 new decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs). Furthermore, by installing new large plants near drains, an additional 460 MGD capacity will be added by December 2028, ensuring a robust and future-ready sewage management system for Delhi.

The Chief Minister explained that the biggest benefit of this expansion will be that untreated sewage will no longer flow into the Yamuna. As treatment capacity increases, more wastewater will be treated before being discharged into the river. This will gradually improve water quality, reduce foul odour and pollution, and help restore life to the river. In the long term, this will safeguard drinking water sources, improve public health, and provide Delhi with a sustainable sewage system for its growing population.

Accelerated Laying of Sewer Lines in Unauthorised Colonies and JJ Clusters

The Chief Minister informed that work on laying sewer lines in unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters is being expedited. Out of 675 JJ clusters, work has been completed in 574, while arrangements for single-point sewage collection are being made in 65 clusters.

In addition, sewer network work in all 1,799 unauthorised colonies will be completed in a phased manner between December 2026 and December 2028. This will prevent untreated wastewater from entering the Yamuna. The Chief Minister emphasised that unless every household in Delhi is connected to the sewer network, the inflow of untreated sewage into the Yamuna cannot be stopped and the river cannot be fully restored.

Special Monitoring System for Drains

The Chief Minister said that for the first time, a robust monitoring system has been put in place for Delhi’s drains. Teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) are conducting monthly water quality testing at 47 identified locations.

Drone surveys to identify and inspect all minor drains connected to the Najafgarh and Shahdara drains will be completed by January 2026, while surveys of the remaining drains will be completed by the Delhi Jal Board by June 2026. The objective is to accurately identify the sources and volume of pollution entering the river so that it can be effectively prevented.

Coordination with Neighbouring States Also Essential

The Chief Minister clearly stated that coordination with neighbouring states is essential to make the Yamuna clean. It was informed in the meeting that six drains from Haryana flow into the Najafgarh drain, accounting for 33 percent of the total polluted water. Similarly, four major drains from Uttar Pradesh discharge into the Shahdara drain, contributing nearly 40 percent of the total pollution.

The Chief Minister said she would personally take up this issue with the Chief Ministers of both states to find a solution.
Processing Plants to Be Set Up for Silt Management

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to immediately identify suitable land for setting up bio-mining and processing plants for scientific disposal of silt removed from roads and drains. She instructed that around four such plants be established across Delhi to ensure that silt does not accumulate in large heaps anywhere.

She also asked the DDA to prepare a detailed plan for developing permanent and well-organised ghats along the Yamuna. The Chief Minister emphasised that all departments, including the Delhi Jal Board, PWD, MCD and DDA, must work together in close coordination. She directed the formation of a special committee to ensure there are no delays in cutting roads for sewer laying and restoring them promptly.

In addition, drone mapping of 22 major drains that discharge into the Yamuna will be carried out, and their water quality will be tested every month to monitor pollution levels.

Control of Polluted Water from Industrial Areas

The Chief Minister stressed the need to control polluted water discharged from industrial areas, which also contributes to pollution in the Yamuna. She directed officials to ensure regular inspections of common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) in planned industrial areas to verify that they are functioning properly.

She also called for strict action against polluting industries in unplanned areas and instructed that violators be penalised. The Chief Minister said that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Municipal Corporation must take firm enforcement action. She assured that the government is fully committed to restoring the Yamuna through modern technology and coordination with neighbouring states, as this is not merely a campaign but a resolve to secure Delhi’s future.

Yamuna Rejuvenation Mission by 2028: PWD Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh

Delhi Cabinet Minister Shri Pravesh Sahib Singh said that under the Yamuna Rejuvenation Mission, all works related to major drains and sewer networks in Delhi will be completed by 2028. Under the leadership and close monitoring of Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, all concerned departments of the Delhi Government and the MCD are working under an integrated, time-bound action plan. With the support of DDA land, the expansion of the sewer network across the city is progressing rapidly in full coordination.