A concerning report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has revealed that 21 out of 37 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Delhi failed to meet water treatment standards in August, replicating similar results from the previous months of June and July. The STPs were evaluated on multiple parameters, including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), faecal coliform, oil, grease, and dissolved phosphates in treated water. A staggering 56% of the STPs were found non-compliant with these critical environmental standards, highlighting a persistent issue in the capital’s water management.
The untreated or inadequately treated water from these STPs often ends up in the Yamuna River, exacerbating pollution levels. Out of the estimated 790 million gallons of sewage generated daily in Delhi, 550-600 MGD is treated, with nearly 260 MGD of treated water flowing into the Yamuna. The remaining portion is utilised for horticultural purposes, filling water bodies, or recharging groundwater. Despite the Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) efforts to increase sewage treatment capacity from 632 MGD in January to 712 MGD in July, the report emphasises that much of the untreated sewage continues to pollute the river, particularly from unauthorised colonies.
From a civic standpoint, the inability of STPs to meet water quality standards is alarming, as it directly impacts public health and the environment. A major issue highlighted is the lack of facilities at these plants to treat faecal coliform due to the absence of bacterial disinfection mechanisms like chlorination, UV treatment, or ozonation. This neglect persists despite directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandating the implementation of such technologies. The failure of these treatment plants adds strain to the already overburdened Yamuna, with major city drains also showing elevated pollution levels.
Delhi’s struggle with sewage management highlights broader concerns related to environmental sustainability and water conservation. The untreated sewage entering the Yamuna not only damages aquatic life but also presents severe ecological risks. It contributes to the river’s declining water quality, which is a critical resource for agriculture, industry, and public use. The city’s ongoing failure to address these shortcomings undermines efforts to achieve sustainability goals, such as reducing water pollution and safeguarding vital natural resources. In the long term, inefficient sewage treatment threatens the region’s water security, health, and ecological balance, requiring urgent government intervention and innovative solutions. A more sustainable future for Delhi’s water management requires comprehensive upgrades in sewage treatment infrastructure, enhanced monitoring, and a commitment to preserving water bodies like the Yamuna. Without swift action, the river’s revival and Delhi’s broader sustainability aspirations may remain unattainable.
