Post-Delhi Polls, BJP Launches Mission to Clean Yamuna in Three Years

Nearly a week after the BJP secured victory in the Delhi elections, the government has launched a large-scale initiative to clean the heavily polluted Yamuna River.

The cleaning process, which began on Sunday, follows a four-pronged strategy aimed at restoring the river’s health within three years.

The pollution of the Yamuna River was a key issue during the election campaigns, with the BJP accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of failing to fulfill its promise of cleaning the river.

On Sunday, trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredge utility units were deployed to begin the process. Raj Niwas officials confirmed that Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena had instructed authorities to start the cleaning work without delay.

The Four-Pronged Cleaning Strategy

The cleaning operation is being carried out with a structured approach that includes:

• Trash and silt removal: Large-scale efforts to clear debris and accumulated waste from the river.
• Simultaneous drain cleaning: Cleaning the Najafgarh drain, supplementary drain, and other major drains that contribute to Yamuna’s pollution.
• Sewage treatment monitoring: Ensuring existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) operate at full capacity while constructing new decentralized STPs to treat the shortfall of approximately 400 MGD of sewage.
• Industrial waste monitoring: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been directed to monitor and prevent untreated industrial waste from entering the river.

An official from the LG’s office stated, “Execution of this ambitious plan that targets cleaning the river in about three years will require seamless coordination between multiple agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Jal Board, I&FC, Environment Department, Public Works Department, and Delhi Development Authority.”

BJP Highlights Cleaning Efforts

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has actively publicized the beginning of the Yamuna cleaning drive.

Former BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri shared a video showcasing the use of advanced machinery, such as skimmers to remove garbage, harvesters to clear weeds, and dredge utility crafts to enhance water quality.

Delhi LG V.K. Saxena confirmed the ongoing efforts, stating, “Works on cleaning river Yamuna have already begun with trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and a dredge utility craft already starting cleaning operations in the river today.”

Political Reactions and AAP’s Criticism

While the BJP has taken credit for launching the project, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the party for selectively claiming responsibility.

Interim Chief Minister Atishi remarked, “I want to ask the BJP to decide whether they are running the government or not. When there are power cuts, they say Atishi is the caretaker CM and responsible for it. But when cleaning machines arrive at Yamuna, they claim the BJP and LG are responsible.”

The Yamuna River’s pollution was a major topic during the recently concluded Delhi Assembly elections.

While the BJP criticized AAP for failing to clean the river despite being in power for a decade, Arvind Kejriwal accused the Haryana BJP government of contaminating Delhi’s Yamuna water supply—an allegation that BJP dismissed.

High-Level Oversight for the Cleaning Project

Ensuring the success of the Yamuna cleaning project requires strict monitoring. The LG’s office confirmed that the initiative will be reviewed weekly at the highest levels.

Additionally, the DPCC has been tasked with overseeing industrial waste discharge into the river.

Earlier, a similar rejuvenation effort was undertaken in January 2023 under the National Green Tribunal (NGT)-mandated high-level committee chaired by the LG.

However, the committee ceased operations after the Delhi AAP government challenged its formation in the Supreme Court, which halted its mandate in July 2023.

Despite the committee’s short tenure, slight improvements in the river’s chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) were noted.

BJP’s Election Promises for Yamuna Restoration

The BJP’s election manifesto, ‘Viksit Delhi Sankalp Patra,’ outlined major commitments to Yamuna restoration. Key promises included:

• Establishing a “Yamuna Kosh” fund for river revitalization.
• Developing a modern riverfront along Yamuna’s banks.
• Expanding sewage treatment capacity to 1,000 million gallons per day (MGD).
• Increasing common effluent treatment plant capacity to 220 MLD.

Swift Action Following Election Results

The BJP’s rapid initiation of the Yamuna cleaning drive underscores its commitment to delivering on campaign promises.

Within seven days of winning the Delhi elections, the party has deployed advanced equipment to begin restoring the river’s health.

During the BJP’s victory celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the party’s dedication to achieving a pollution-free Yamuna.

With coordinated efforts from multiple agencies and high-level oversight, authorities aim to transform the river into a cleaner and healthier water body within the next three years.