New Delhi: The Delhi government is actively seeking financial support from the private sector to bolster its efforts in rejuvenating the severely degraded ecological health of the Yamuna River. Officials announced on Friday that the initiative will be funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has extended an invitation to private companies to sponsor the installation of modular sewage treatment plants (STPs) along major open drains that discharge into the river. Unlike traditional STPs, which require significant space and investment, these modular and decentralized systems can be installed directly on the drains, offering companies an opportunity for branding while contributing to environmental sustainability.
“The DJB is looking for corporate partners to commit to the installation of these STPs on identified open drains based on specific needs,” stated a DJB official. “Corporate entities will pledge a designated amount for these installations and will make payments directly to the suppliers upon completion of the plants.”
Currently, the DJB operates 37 STPs, primarily managed by private companies under contractual agreements. Under the new initiative, participating companies will select a vendor for the installation of the plants and handle payments directly.
“Modular STPs are compact and can be strategically positioned along the length of a drain that is contributing to river pollution. A key priority of the government’s mission to restore the Yamuna is the effective and expedited treatment of sewage and wastewater entering the river through open drains,” the DJB official added.
In recent years, the DJB has been implementing the Interceptor Sewer Project, which aims to capture all drains and redirect the wastewater flowing into them to nearby STPs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the health of the Yamuna River and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable environment for the community.
While some drains, such as the Najafgarh drain, present challenges for trapping, the government is actively engaged in desilting efforts. However, a long-term solution for waste treatment in these drains remains essential.
Numerous sub-drains are currently discharging untreated wastewater into the larger drainage system, exacerbating the issue. Officials have confirmed that efforts are underway to clean these sub-drains.
A recent tender issued by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) highlights the potential benefits for corporate sponsors, including branding opportunities through signage. Contributing to this initiative through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) not only aligns with the national environmental agenda but also significantly enhances a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile and sustainability efforts.
According to the plan, these interventions will be strategically implemented along critical drains and locations that directly affect the water quality of the Yamuna River.
“The selected corporate entity will partner with a qualified vendor whose products meet the wastewater treatment standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board. The DJB will oversee the installation process and ensure that the necessary land is available for these installations,” officials stated.
Once the installations are complete, the DJB will assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of these treatment plants.
