The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26 and announced a major initiative aimed at cleaning the Yamuna River. The government has allocated ₹500 crore for the development of 40 decentralised sewage plants, ensuring that untreated wastewater is not discharged directly into the river.
Highlighting the significance of the project, CM Rekha Gupta emphasized that the Yamuna is not just a river but a vital part of the region’s cultural and ecological heritage. “Today, the Yamuna is struggling with sewage and polluted water. We are committed to restoring its purity. With this initiative, we aim to ensure that untreated sewage does not flow into the river,” she said during her budget speech.
The Delhi government has been working on multiple fronts to rejuvenate the Yamuna, which has been severely polluted due to the continuous discharge of industrial waste, untreated sewage, and other pollutants. The construction of decentralised sewage treatment plants (STPs) is seen as a crucial step in this mission. These plants will help in treating wastewater at the local level before it reaches the Yamuna, reducing pollution and improving water quality.
In addition to setting up new STPs, the Delhi government has also been focusing on upgrading existing sewage treatment infrastructure, increasing sewage treatment capacity, and ensuring better waste management in areas close to the riverbanks. The government has been coordinating with the Delhi Jal Board and other relevant agencies to expedite these efforts.
The budgetary allocation of ₹500 crore reflects the government’s commitment to the Namami Yamuna project, which aligns with the broader Namami Gange initiative led by the central government. The decentralised STPs will be strategically located to cover high-pollution zones along the Yamuna. These efforts are expected to bring visible improvements in the river’s condition over the next few years.
Environmental experts and activists have long advocated for decentralised wastewater treatment to reduce the load on larger treatment plants and prevent direct contamination of water bodies. With this initiative, Delhi takes a step forward in sustainable urban planning, addressing both environmental and public health concerns linked to the Yamuna’s pollution.
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