High Ammonia Levels in Yamuna Threaten Delhi Water

Why in the news?

Delhi CM accused Haryana of releasing high ammonia levels into the Yamuna, impacting the water supply. Haryana denied the allegations. Rising pollution from industries and untreated sewage has worsened Delhi’s water treatment challenges.

High Ammonia Levels in Yamuna Threaten Delhi Water

Recent Controversy:

  • Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Haryana government of deliberately “poisoning” Delhi’s water supply by releasing ammonia into the Yamuna River.
  • Haryana government filed a complaint against Kejriwal following his allegations.
  • Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann raised the issue with the Election Commission, accusing Haryana of intentionally releasing pollutants.

Treatment and Challenges

  • Delhi’s water treatment plants use chlorine to neutralize ammonia (5 kg of chlorine per liter per hour for one ppm ammonia).
  • High ammonia levels affect plant efficiency and disrupt water supply.
  • Despite Delhi’s proposal for an in-situ ammonia treatment plant at Wazirabad in March 2023, it remains under development.
  • A long-term solution between Delhi and Haryana governments is yet to be finalized.

Understanding Ammonia and Pollution Sources:

  • What is Ammonia?
  • A colorless, pungent gas that dissolves easily in water.
  • Widely used in fertilizer, animal feed production, and paper manufacturing.
  • Sources of Pollution
  • Agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and untreated sewage.
  • Decomposition of organic matter naturally releases ammonia.
  • Dye units and distilleries in Haryana’s Panipat and Sonipat districts contribute to pollution before the Yamuna enters Delhi at Wazirabad.
  • Environmental Impact
  • Reduces dissolved oxygen levels in water, which often reach zero in Delhi’s stretch of the river.
  • Situation worsens during winter due to a lack of freshwater flow.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times