“SUPREME COURT ORDERS EMERGENCY MEETING ON DELHI’S WATER CRISIS”

Why in the news?

  • The Supreme Court directed an emergency meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5 to address Delhi’s severe water shortage due to extreme heat and increased demand.
  • The Delhi government highlighted that water levels at Wazirabad need to be maintained and requested Haryana’s cooperation, as the city faces frequent water supply cuts and acute shortages.
source:worldatlas

Key Facts: Yamuna River

  • Source: Originates from Yamunotri glacier near Bandarpoonch peaks in Uttarakhand.
  • Length: 1376 km.
  • Flow Path:Flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.
  • Joins the Ganges at Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (site of Kumbh Mela).
  • Important Tributaries:Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, Ken, Tons, Hindon contribute to its flow
About Yamuna Action Plan:

  • Yamuna Action Plan Phase II aims to combat severe pollution in the Yamuna River basin, focusing on sewage treatment capacity enhancement.
  • Initiated in 2003, it targets rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth contributing to pollution.
  • Includes building new sewage treatment plants, expanding existing ones, and laying/rehabilitating sewers, particularly in Delhi and Agra.
  • Emphasizes public participation and awareness to foster recognition of water quality conservation needs.
  • As of 2019, the project continues with plans for additional phases to further clean the river, with hopes for Ganges River pollution-free status by March 2020.

About The Delhi Government’s Six-Point Action Plan to Clean Yamuna:

  • Building new sewage treatment plants (STPs).
  • Increasing capacity of existing STPs.
  • Introducing new technology to prevent pollutants from entering Yamuna.
  • Connecting every household to the sewer network.
  • Diverting industrial waste away from Yamuna.
  • Aiming for a completely clean Yamuna by 2025.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/the-anatomy-of-the-yamuna-floodplains/