The iconic Yamuna River in Delhi has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons, frothing like a bathtub in several stretches. Experts say this froth is not a natural phenomenon but a result of rising pollution levels, especially high concentrations of surfactants found in detergents, coupled with dirty water and turbulence caused when Okhla barrage gates are opened. Disturbance of sludge and foam formation is most visible during these periods, alarming environmentalists and residents alike.
According to a recent study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), commissioned by the Delhi government, frothing is symptomatic of a broader water quality crisis that needs urgent, coordinated action across multiple departments.
How TERI’s Strategic Plan Aims to Tackle Yamuna Frothing and Pollution in a Systematic Way
As per a TOI report, TERI has prepared a comprehensive roadmap to address Yamuna frothing, identifying key pollution sources and department-specific measures. The study recommends a centralised coordination mechanism, suggesting the strengthening of the State Mission for Clean Yamuna (SMCY) to ensure smooth inter-agency cooperation.
The report also emphasises revisiting the 1994 Yamuna water-sharing agreement to guarantee minimum environmental flow, ensuring that the river retains enough water to dilute pollutants. Findings from the study are expected to be presented in the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Assembly as part of a wider public awareness campaign.
Pollution Monitoring Upgrades: Including Ammonia and Phosphate Levels to Target Detergent-Induced Froth
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been advised to expand water quality monitoring beyond conventional parameters to include ammonia and phosphate, two key contributors to detergent-induced froth. The recommendations also call for:
Aerators, Webcams, and Hyacinth Removal: Engineering Solutions to Control Foam Formation
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) has been tasked with installing aerators in low-flow areas, especially upstream of the Okhla barrage, to maintain oxygen levels and mitigate froth. In addition, webcams at barrage gates will allow real-time monitoring, while periodic removal of water hyacinth will help reduce foam accumulation caused by decaying aquatic plants.
Delhi Jal Board and STPs: Expanding Capacity and Introducing Advanced Treatment Technologies
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) plays a crucial role in tackling pollution. TERI’s study urges the board to:
Multi-Department Action Plan: From Industrial Waste to Unauthorised Colonies
The study calls for strict enforcement of pollution norms across multiple agencies:
Officials’ Response: Environment Minister Promises to Act on TERI Recommendations
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has endorsed TERI’s findings, stating that the study highlights critical gaps in the current approach. “The recommendations made by the study are very helpful and pave the way for cleaning the river,” he said. “We will use the results and suggestions and plug the gaps highlighted to ensure effective action.”
TERI’s director, Nupur Bahadur, added that coordinated action by all departments could control frothing, reduce pollution, and achieve river rejuvenation within a set timeframe, provided measures are implemented promptly and efficiently.
Inputs from TOI
According to a recent study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), commissioned by the Delhi government, frothing is symptomatic of a broader water quality crisis that needs urgent, coordinated action across multiple departments.
How TERI’s Strategic Plan Aims to Tackle Yamuna Frothing and Pollution in a Systematic Way
As per a TOI report, TERI has prepared a comprehensive roadmap to address Yamuna frothing, identifying key pollution sources and department-specific measures. The study recommends a centralised coordination mechanism, suggesting the strengthening of the State Mission for Clean Yamuna (SMCY) to ensure smooth inter-agency cooperation.
The report also emphasises revisiting the 1994 Yamuna water-sharing agreement to guarantee minimum environmental flow, ensuring that the river retains enough water to dilute pollutants. Findings from the study are expected to be presented in the upcoming winter session of the Delhi Assembly as part of a wider public awareness campaign.
Pollution Monitoring Upgrades: Including Ammonia and Phosphate Levels to Target Detergent-Induced Froth
Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been advised to expand water quality monitoring beyond conventional parameters to include ammonia and phosphate, two key contributors to detergent-induced froth. The recommendations also call for:
- Regular inspections of Dhobi Ghats and laundry clusters
- Installation of micro sewage treatment plants (STPs) at high-pollution areas
- Promotion of eco-friendly detergents with low phosphate content through collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards
- By encouraging zeolite- and enzyme-based detergents, the plan aims to reduce surfactant pollution, the primary culprit behind frothing.
Aerators, Webcams, and Hyacinth Removal: Engineering Solutions to Control Foam Formation
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) has been tasked with installing aerators in low-flow areas, especially upstream of the Okhla barrage, to maintain oxygen levels and mitigate froth. In addition, webcams at barrage gates will allow real-time monitoring, while periodic removal of water hyacinth will help reduce foam accumulation caused by decaying aquatic plants.
Delhi Jal Board and STPs: Expanding Capacity and Introducing Advanced Treatment Technologies
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) plays a crucial role in tackling pollution. TERI’s study urges the board to:
- Expand STP capacity and ensure compliance (12 STPs were found non-compliant)
- Adopt advanced treatment technologies like Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP)
- Introduce online monitoring of drains and flow meters to track water quality
Multi-Department Action Plan: From Industrial Waste to Unauthorised Colonies
The study calls for strict enforcement of pollution norms across multiple agencies:
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi: curb illegal discharges
- Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation: implement new CETPs and performance checks
- Delhi Development Authority: set up decentralised or micro-STPs in unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters
Officials’ Response: Environment Minister Promises to Act on TERI Recommendations
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has endorsed TERI’s findings, stating that the study highlights critical gaps in the current approach. “The recommendations made by the study are very helpful and pave the way for cleaning the river,” he said. “We will use the results and suggestions and plug the gaps highlighted to ensure effective action.”
TERI’s director, Nupur Bahadur, added that coordinated action by all departments could control frothing, reduce pollution, and achieve river rejuvenation within a set timeframe, provided measures are implemented promptly and efficiently.
Inputs from TOI
You may also like
Hailey Bieber's unexpected reply to people who say she 'looks trans' goes viral for how it shuts down hate
Chhath Puja, GST Bachat Utsav, Indian Coffee and more: Highlights of PM Modi's 127th 'Mann Ki Baat'
How and where will the Green Cess be deducted? If you're planning a trip to Uttarakhand, here's what you need to know.
"Corruption, nepotism, and causing suffering to people were their policies": Dharmendra Pradhan hits out at RJD
Delhi horror: 'Stalker' throws acid at 20-year-old student; probe launched
