KKN Gurugram Desk | The ongoing tussle over Yamuna’s water quality took a new turn as Delhi  Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Haryana government of polluting the raw water supply to Delhi. Kejriwal compared the alleged contamination to “biological warfare”, warning that it could lead to mass casualties in the national capital. However, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) CEO Shilpa Shinde dismissed these claims, calling them “factually incorrect and misleading.”

The issue has sparked political controversy in the lead-up to Delhi’s Assembly elections on February 5, with both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP trading accusations over the quality of water in the Yamuna River.

Kejriwal’s Allegations: “Biological Warfare”

Addressing a public gathering in Palam Assembly, Arvind Kejriwal accused Haryana of deliberately discharging untreated industrial waste into the Yamuna. The Delhi  Former Chief Minister likened the act to “biological warfare” and stated that the toxic water being supplied to Delhi could result in widespread harm to the city’s residents.

Earlier, Atishi, a senior AAP leader, also criticized the Haryana government, alleging that it was intentionally polluting Delhi’s water supply by releasing industrial waste into the Yamuna. Atishi claimed that this was a deliberate attempt to destabilize Delhi’s water supply system.

Delhi Jal Board Responds to Kejriwal’s Allegations

In a strongly worded letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra, DJB CEO Shilpa Shinde rejected Kejriwal’s accusations, calling them “without basis” and “damaging to public confidence.” She highlighted the potential harm such claims could have on interstate relations between Delhi and Haryana.

Shinde explained that the DJB continuously monitors the water quality of the Yamuna and adjusts its treatment processes as required. She noted that during the winter, ammonia levels in the river naturally rise due to reduced water flow and the mixing of untreated sewage or industrial waste upstream.

The letter emphasized that DJB’s water treatment plants are equipped to handle ammonia levels as high as 6.5 ppm, using dilution methods with water sourced from the Carrier Lined Channel and Delhi Sub-Branch.

Haryana’s Response and Efforts to Address Pollution

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini denied Kejriwal’s allegations, accusing the AAP government of trying to shift blame for its own failures in managing Delhi’s water supply system.

The Haryana government clarified that it is actively working to address the issue of pollution in the Yamuna. Shinde’s letter also acknowledged Haryana’s efforts, including the installation of pipelines to reduce untreated waste discharge, in compliance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Root Causes of Water Pollution in Yamuna

The Yamuna River is a critical water source for Delhi, but it faces chronic pollution due to a combination of factors:

1. Reduced Water Flow in Winter:
   Lower flow rates in winter amplify the concentration of pollutants, including ammonia and untreated waste.
2. Untreated Industrial Discharge:
   Industries in upstream states often release untreated waste into the Yamuna, exacerbating pollution levels.
3. Sewage Overflow:
   Untreated sewage from urban areas upstream further deteriorates the river’s water quality.

Shinde’s letter pointed out that the lower flow during the winter months heightens the impact of untreated sewage and industrial discharge, necessitating stricter controls and better water management practices.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Delhi Elections

The Yamuna’s water quality has become a politically charged issue as Delhi gears up for Assembly elections on February 5. The AAP government has consistently accused the BJP-led Haryana administration of negligence in addressing Yamuna’s pollution. Meanwhile, the BJP has criticized AAP for failing to improve water infrastructure and treatment facilities in Delhi.

Key Accusations from Both Sides:

• AAP: Haryana is deliberately polluting the Yamuna to disrupt Delhi’s water supply.
• BJP: The AAP government is blaming others to cover up its own mismanagement of water resources.

The escalating blame game has diverted attention from finding long-term solutions to Yamuna’s pollution, further straining interstate relations.

How DJB Manages Water Quality

Despite the allegations, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reiterated that it has robust systems in place to manage water quality. Shinde highlighted the following measures:

1. Ammonia Treatment Capability:
   DJB’s plants can handle ammonia concentrations up to 6.5 ppm through advanced treatment processes.
2. Water Dilution:
   Additional water is sourced from the Carrier Lined Channel and Delhi Sub-Branch to dilute polluted water and maintain safe ammonia levels.
3. Regular Monitoring:
   DJB regularly monitors water quality and adjusts its treatment processes based on real-time data.

Expert Opinions: Need for Collaborative Solutions

Environmental experts emphasize the need for collaboration between Delhi and Haryana to resolve the Yamuna pollution crisis. A coordinated approach, involving stricter enforcement of waste management regulations and infrastructure upgrades, is critical to improving the river’s health.

Recommended Measures:

• Enforcing strict penalties for industries releasing untreated waste into the river.
• Increasing the flow of clean water from upstream regions to dilute pollution levels.
• Strengthening sewage treatment facilities in Delhi and Haryana.
• Raising public awareness about reducing domestic and industrial pollution.

Impact on Public and Interstate Relations

Shinde’s letter to the Lieutenant Governor underscored the broader implications of the ongoing war of words. She warned that fear-mongering statements could mislead Delhi’s residents and harm the relationship with Haryana, an upstream state critical for Delhi’s water supply.

To prevent further escalation, she urged a balanced approach, focused on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

The Yamuna water quality debate highlights the urgent need for collaboration between Delhi and Haryana to address the river’s pollution. While the blame game continues between AAP and BJP, the real focus should be on sustainable solutions to ensure safe drinking water for Delhi’s residents.

With elections approaching, the issue has taken on a political dimension, but the long-term health of the Yamuna requires bipartisan cooperation and immediate action. As both governments address the challenges, the hope remains that effective policies will prioritize the well-being of the public over political rivalries.

Stay tuned to KKN Live for the latest updates on the Yamuna pollution debate and other critical news from Delhi and Haryana.