Delhi is set to mark a significant milestone in urban water management with the inauguration of Asia’s largest sewage treatment plant (STP) in Okhla. Officials confirmed that the launch forms part of a broader Rs 4,000 crore initiative under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), aimed at rejuvenating the Yamuna River and enhancing the city’s sewage infrastructure.
The inauguration, scheduled at Keshavpur in Vikaspuri, will also unveil 46 additional sanitation and sewage projects. Authorities emphasised that the initiative will directly benefit nearly 40 lakh residents across south, central, and old Delhi, significantly reducing untreated sewage discharge into the Yamuna, a critical step under the Yamuna Action Plan-III.Built at a cost of Rs 1,161 crore, the Okhla STP spans 40 acres and replaces four outdated treatment units. The facility, with a daily treatment capacity of 124 million gallons, not only processes sewage but also generates energy from waste and produces A-class sludge, safe for agricultural and landscaping use. Officials highlighted that this combination of waste management and energy recovery reinforces Delhi’s commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable urban development.
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The project, jointly executed by the Delhi Jal Board and the central government, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory restrictions, extending its timeline from the initially planned 2022 completion to April 2025. Despite these challenges, the STP successfully completed trial operations earlier this year. Funding for the project was largely provided by the central government (85 percent), with the Delhi government contributing the remainder.
Experts noted that such large-scale infrastructure projects reflect a balance between urban growth, public health, and environmental restoration. By integrating state-of-the-art sewage treatment with renewable energy and safe byproduct management, the initiative positions Delhi as a model for sustainable urban river management in India.Officials also stressed that these projects will provide cleaner waterways, reduce public health risks, and support equitable access to sanitation services across the metropolitan region. The inauguration is expected to draw over 6,000 attendees, including local residents, community representatives, and municipal authorities, showcasing the city’s collective commitment to cleaner, greener urban spaces.As Delhi intensifies efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna, the Okhla STP and associated projects underscore the city’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure and ecological restoration, ensuring that urban development coexists with environmental protection.
