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The pressing issue of water pollution in the Yamuna River has reached a critical point, impacting the water supply for millions of Delhi residents, particularly as the festive season of Diwali approaches. The contamination of the Yamuna, a significant source of water for the city, has posed a major challenge for the Delhi Jal Board, responsible for ensuring water distribution.
The Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar water treatment plants, crucial components of Delhi's water infrastructure, are facing difficulties due to the high ammonia levels in the Yamuna. These plants typically draw water from the Ganga River but, due to scheduled maintenance works, the Ganga supply was temporarily halted, forcing them to rely on the Yamuna as an alternative. Unfortunately, the Yamuna's water quality has deteriorated significantly, with ammonia levels exceeding the safe limit of 1.5 parts per million. This has led to a substantial decrease in the operational capacity of the water treatment plants, impacting the water supply to various areas of Delhi.
The detrimental effects of the Yamuna's pollution extend beyond the disruption of water supply. The river is visibly covered in a thick layer of toxic froth, posing a serious health risk to residents. The froth contains harmful chemicals that can trigger respiratory issues, skin irritations, and other health problems. The contamination of the Yamuna has become a pressing concern, demanding immediate attention and effective measures to mitigate the pollution and ensure the well-being of Delhi's citizens.
The water shortage is expected to impact several key areas in Delhi, including affluent South Delhi localities such as Greater Kailash, Vasant Kunj, Malviya Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, and Panchsheel Park. Residents in these areas are facing significant water scarcity, disrupting their daily routines and highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. East Delhi, North East Delhi, and parts of the NDMC area are also experiencing water shortages, affecting regions like Gokulpuri, Shahdara, Mayur Vihar, Patparganj, and Vishvakarma Park. The Delhi Jal Board has urged residents to conserve water and manage their usage carefully to minimize the impact of the water shortage, particularly as Diwali festivities approach.
The situation highlights the urgency of addressing the root causes of pollution in the Yamuna River. Long-term solutions are needed to curb industrial discharge, sewage overflow, and other factors contributing to the river's contamination. It also underscores the importance of effective water management strategies, including the implementation of robust water treatment systems and the development of alternative water sources to ensure a sustainable water supply for Delhi in the future.
Source: Yamuna's toxicity disrupts water supply in Delhi ahead of Diwali