The Yamuna River, a lifeline for millions in Delhi and neighboring states, has long suffered from severe pollution, unchecked sewage discharge, and industrial effluents. Successive governments have made grand promises, yet the river continues to be one of the most polluted in the country. Now, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has unveiled a massive initiative to rejuvenate the river, seeking assistance from the central government to fund and execute critical projects aimed at restoring its health. With an estimated ₹9,000 crore set aside for overhauling water and sanitation systems, the Yamuna cleanup has become a high-stakes political and environmental issue.
The New Cleanup Plan: Scope and Funding
The latest roadmap to clean the Yamuna is one of the most ambitious projects undertaken in recent times. The Delhi government, under the leadership of Finance Minister Atishi, has presented a budget plan that focuses on three core areas: sewage treatment upgrades, technological intervention, and ecological restoration.
1. Upgrading Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
- ₹2,000 crore has been sought from the Union government to modernize sewage treatment plants.
- ₹500 crore is earmarked for building 40 new decentralized sewage treatment plants along the Yamuna’s course.
- An additional ₹500 crore will be used to upgrade existing STPs to meet international standards.
2. Technological Interventions for Cleaning:
- ₹40 crore will be used to purchase modern equipment like trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredge utilities.
- ₹250 crore has been set aside for replacing old wastewater treatment infrastructure.
3. Ecological and Infrastructure Restoration:
- ₹200 crore will be allocated to converting the Najafgarh drain into a clean waterway before it merges with the Yamuna.
- ₹50 crore has been sanctioned for reviving old water bodies in Delhi to reduce stress on the Yamuna.
These allocations reflect a comprehensive strategy that combines engineering solutions with ecological conservation efforts. However, the challenge remains in the execution and enforcement of pollution control regulations.
Political Ramifications and Centre Govt Support
The BJP-led central government’s role in financing and assisting with the Yamuna cleanup has added a political dimension to the project. Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has often blamed the Centre for not providing enough financial aid, while BJP leaders argue that the responsibility of implementation lies with the state government. The request for ₹2,000 crore in additional central assistance highlights the need for a cooperative federal approach.
The issue is also intertwined with inter-state politics. In February 2025, a water quality report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee pointed to alarming levels of ammonia in the river, leading to a political blame game between Delhi and Haryana. The former accused Haryana of "poisoning" the river by allowing untreated industrial discharge. The Haryana government, in turn, refuted these claims, arguing that Delhi’s own untreated sewage was the primary polluter.
This political tussle underscores a critical problem: cleaning the Yamuna cannot be achieved without collaboration between state and central agencies. A joint task force, with clear accountability measures, may be required to prevent political delays.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite grand budgets and ambitious proposals, previous Yamuna cleanup efforts have largely failed. Several challenges remain:
1. Unregulated Sewage Discharge:
- Almost 80% of Delhi’s sewage ends up in the Yamuna due to outdated infrastructure and illegal connections.
- The current sewage treatment plants, even if upgraded, may not handle the increasing load without proper monitoring.
2. Industrial Pollution:
- Industrial units along the river continue to release toxic effluents.
- Existing penalties for non-compliance are often too weak to deter repeat offenders.
3. Encroachment and Illegal Construction:
- The riverbanks have seen unchecked encroachments, leading to a reduction in the river’s natural flow.
- Resettlement policies for slum dwellers living along the river remain unclear.
4. Public Awareness and Participation:
- Without active public participation, enforcement becomes difficult.
- Past cleanup campaigns have often failed due to a lack of sustained citizen involvement.
Can Yamuna Be Saved?
For the Yamuna rejuvenation plan to succeed, a multi-pronged approach is required:
- Strict Implementation of Pollution Laws: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) must enforce penalties for illegal discharge.
- Investment in Green Technologies: Bio-remediation and wetlands-based sewage treatment can complement STPs.
- Inter-State Coordination: A joint Delhi-Haryana-Uttar Pradesh water management committee should oversee pollution control.
- Citizen Involvement: Riverfront development should include public awareness campaigns and community-driven cleanliness drives.
The fate of the Yamuna will depend not just on government policies but on whether these measures are executed efficiently and transparently. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for cleaning India’s other polluted rivers.
Conclusion
The BJP’s renewed push to clean the Yamuna, with financial backing from the Centre, represents one of the largest river restoration efforts in India. However, success will depend on the ability of state and central agencies to rise above political differences and focus on long-term solutions. While ₹9,000 crore is a significant investment, the real challenge lies in preventing future pollution, ensuring sustainable wastewater management, and holding polluters accountable.
Cleaning the Yamuna is not just an environmental necessity—it is a test of governance, political will, and public participation. If executed well, it could redefine urban water management in India. If it fails, the Yamuna will remain a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises and systemic inefficiencies.