New Delhi: In a significant step toward restoring the Yamuna River's ecological balance, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Union Minister Parvesh Verma conducted an on-site inspection of the riverfront at Wazirabad. The high-level visit was aimed at reviewing the ongoing cleanliness and rejuvenation operations being carried out under the Yamuna Action Plan and other civic initiatives.
The Yamuna, a lifeline for Delhi and several other cities in northern India, has long suffered from pollution due to untreated sewage, industrial discharge, and solid waste accumulation. Authorities have launched various action plans over the years, but efforts have intensified recently with a renewed focus on accountability and results.
During the inspection, the officials examined several key aspects of the project, including desilting of the riverbed, clearing of plastic and debris, and the operation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the vicinity. Special emphasis was placed on identifying illegal waste discharge points and ensuring strict enforcement against violators.
Speaking during the visit, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena emphasized the importance of inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring. “Cleaning the Yamuna is not just an environmental task—it is a moral and civic responsibility. Every stakeholder, from officials to citizens, must contribute to restoring this sacred river,” he said.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the importance of community participation in sustaining the gains of such projects. “Beyond infrastructure and enforcement, we must build awareness among residents and businesses to prevent pollution at the source. This is not a one-time task but a continuous mission,” she added.
Union Minister Parvesh Verma, who also accompanied the team, called for long-term strategies and better utilization of central funds. He assured that the central government would continue supporting Delhi’s initiatives under schemes like Namami Gange and the Yamuna Action Plan Phase III.
Officials from the Delhi Jal Board, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were present and briefed the leaders on the progress and upcoming milestones. A detailed roadmap was discussed, which includes enhancing the capacity of existing STPs, laying new sewer lines in unsewered colonies, and installing trash barriers at key points along the river.
The inspection at Wazirabad is part of a broader series of field reviews being undertaken across multiple locations along the Yamuna to ensure transparency, accountability, and faster implementation of clean-up operations. The government aims to achieve visible improvements in water quality and riverbank conditions within the next few months.
