New Delhi, June 8: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting on the rejuvenation and cleanliness of the Yamuna River, reiterating the Modi government’s commitment to restoring the river and ensuring sustainable pollution control measures across Delhi and neighbouring states.
A key decision taken during the meeting was the signing of a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to prevent dairy waste from entering the Yamuna.
Dairy Waste to Be Converted into Biogas and Manure
Under the proposed initiative, waste generated by Delhi’s dairy sector will be scientifically processed to produce gobar gas (biogas) and organic manure, preventing untreated waste from flowing into the river.
The move is expected to address one of the major pollution sources affecting the Yamuna while simultaneously generating renewable energy and agricultural inputs.
97% Desilting Target Already Achieved
Reviewing progress under the Yamuna cleanup programme, Amit Shah said that out of the targeted 28.57 lakh metric tonnes of silt to be removed from drains flowing into the Yamuna this year, nearly 97 percent has already been cleared.
The removed silt will be commercially utilised in construction and infrastructure projects to ensure it does not find its way back into the river system.
129 Sewage Treatment Plants Operational
The Union Home Minister also reviewed sewage management infrastructure across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
According to the review, 129 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have already become operational across the three states. Additionally, 59 new STPs are planned to be constructed by the end of 2027, significantly enhancing wastewater treatment capacity in the Yamuna basin.
Delhi, Haryana and UP to Work as One Team
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who attended the meeting, said all participating governments and agencies resolved to work under an integrated action plan for Yamuna restoration.
“The governments of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, along with all concerned ministries, will function as one team to ensure measurable outcomes in the rejuvenation of the Yamuna,” Sandhu said.
Strict Monitoring of Sewage and Industrial Discharge
The meeting also focused on strengthening oversight of untreated sewage and industrial effluents entering the river.
Officials discussed a fixed periodic review mechanism to monitor progress and ensure timely implementation of all ongoing projects.
The integrated action plan includes:
- Conversion of dairy waste into biogas and manure.
- Accelerated desilting of drains and commercial utilisation of silt.
- Expansion of sewage treatment infrastructure.
- Strict monitoring of industrial discharge and sewage inflows.
- Regular progress reviews at fixed intervals.
‘Clean Yamuna a Top Priority’
Sandhu emphasized that a cleaner and rejuvenated Yamuna remains one of Delhi’s highest priorities.
He said the government is committed to delivering visible, measurable and sustainable improvements on the ground through coordinated efforts involving multiple agencies and state governments.
The latest review comes as authorities intensify efforts to restore the ecological health of the Yamuna, which remains one of the most polluted stretches of river in the country despite years of cleanup initiatives.
