Delhi launches 43point Yamuna revival plan focused on sewage solid waste and floodplain restoration
Delhi has rolled out a comprehensive 43-point action plan to revive the Yamuna River, enhancing and expanding upon a previous 30-point framework. Over the next two years, the plan will prioritize restoring the river’s ecological balance through improved sewage treatment, floodplain rehabilitation, solid waste interception, and strict regulatory enforcement across multiple agencies.
One of the core focus areas of the action plan is sewage management. New conveyance systems will be constructed to transport treated wastewater from key Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)—such as those at Coronation Pillar and Yamuna Vihar—directly downstream into the river. These efforts will be supported by upgrades to existing facilities and the deployment of Decentralised STPs (DSTPs) to ensure universal sewer coverage in unauthorised colonies and high-impact drainage zones. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will spearhead much of this work, alongside coordinated inputs from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Solid waste management is another major component of the plan. Floating pontoons and skimmers will be installed at key drain outfalls and along river stretches to capture waste before it enters the Yamuna. This system is expected to mitigate waste accumulation at the source. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) has been tasked with clearing all accumulated debris and construction waste from the Yamuna floodplains, with completion initially targeted for June 2025. To tackle stormwater mismanagement, the action plan emphasizes the strict separation of stormwater and sewage pipelines. Detailed assessments will identify illegal sewer connections into stormwater drains, with immediate corrective actions to follow. The objective is to prevent backflow contamination during monsoon seasons and enhance the resilience of Delhi’s critical drainage systems.
In a bid to reclaim and protect the Yamuna’s floodplain ecosystem, the Delhi Government has ordered the removal of all illegal encroachments. Restoration projects such as the Mayur Nature Park and Hindon Sarovar have been prioritized and are scheduled for completion by December 2027. Riverfront development is to proceed in tandem with ecological conservation, blending urban renewal with biodiversity preservation. Industrial discharges into the Yamuna remain a persistent problem. The plan calls for intensified enforcement, with all illegal discharge points to be shut down within a four-month window. Industries found non-compliant will face penalties and operational shutdowns under enhanced regulatory scrutiny.
Public participation is another pillar of the initiative. Extensive awareness campaigns will be launched to educate citizens and encourage their involvement in conserving the river. In addition, the government will implement targeted solutions to manage septage and dairy waste, including the installation of biogas plants to reduce organic load on the river system. To ensure accountability and progress tracking, each involved department has been instructed to prepare detailed implementation timelines and begin immediate execution. Regular review meetings will be held, and specific studies have been commissioned to assess complex drainage systems such as the Shahdara and Najafgarh sub-drains—two of the most challenging contributors to Yamuna pollution.
This multi-agency action plan is being implemented under the broader guidance of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), aiming to align Delhi’s local goals with national river rejuvenation objectives. If successfully implemented, this initiative could set a precedent for urban river restoration in other major Indian cities.
