(Feature Image: Redstone stuctures at Vasudev Riverfront site on Yamuna. BS Rawat, SANDRP/ April 2025)

The rhetoric of Sabarmati type river front project for Yamuna in Delhi is getting louder. For over a decade, the DDA has already been working on 11 projects disguised as ‘floodplain restoration’. In recent past, none other than the NGT has flagged concerns over permanent structures and concretization work in some of these projects. Notably, all these cosmetic projects have suffered huge damages in the July 2023 floods.

Despite this, showing no regard to laws and sanctity of floodplains, DDA (Delhi Development Authority) has commercialized some of the projects including the Vasudev riverfront and the Baansera park. Since there is no autonomous body functioning in Delhi to hold the DDA accountable, every week there is news about a new riverfront or park project aiming at further commercializing the Yamuna floodplain.

The latest in the series is planning to transform all these 11 parks into the controversial Sabarmati type riverfront project in the city. The plan is questionably proposed by the PWD (Public Works Department), Delhi. This clearly shows a lack of consistency in the government approach regarding floodplain protection or rejuvenation since the beginning.

In absence of any judicial watchdog, the government is marching ahead experimenting with river floodplain in ad hoc manner. For the past 8 months, Delhi also has no functioning SEIAA/ SEAC to scrutinize such proposals. The studied silence approach from the MoEF, CWC, NMCG, CPCB, NDMA has only encouraged the blatant abuse of Yamuna floodplain. This is essentially undoing the years of floodplain protection efforts made by the NGT and the civil society groups in Delhi.  

Undoubtedly, the government is sidelining the critical issues of environmental flows and stopping pollution in Yamuna and prioritizing commercialization of river floodplain. In fact, the Sabarmati based RFD projects in the country have only worsened the plight of the respective rivers. Moreover, the track record of the present government in protecting the rivers from pollution is abysmal be it Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Ganga in Varanasi or Patna, Gomti in Lucknow, Yamuna in Agra or Mathura, Dravyawati in Jaipur, Chambal in Kota, Mula-Mutha in Pune and many more.   

In such a scenario, there is urgent need for an autonomous body in Delhi to protect the Yamuna floodplain from ad hoc experiments and commercialization before it is too late.

Will develop Sabarmati like RFD: HM Union home minister Amit Shah on May 1 said Yamuna’s “purification” is of utmost importance not only for the people of Delhi and its neighbouring states but also for all Indians who worship lord Krishna and Yamuna. The Yamuna riverfront project in the national capital will be developed along the lines of the Sabarmati riverfront in Gujarat and completed within a set timeline, he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamunas-purification-is-of-utmost-importance-shah/articleshow/120800715.cms  (01 May 2025)

PWD seeks a unified RFD akin to Sabarmati The PWD)has asked the DDA to integrate all 11 of its ongoing floodplain projects along the Yamuna River into a single, continuous riverfront stretch, officials said on Apr 30. The directive follows a high-level meeting last week and aligns with the Delhi govt’s broader plan to replicate Gujarat’s Sabarmati riverfront model.

The proposed stretch spans approximately 22 kms—from Palla in the north to Okhla in the south—and covers over 1,500 ha owned by the DDA. Since 2021, the land has been developed under individual projects such as biodiversity parks, ghats, eco-tourism sites, and heritage zones. The PWD is now pushing for a cohesive layout. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/pwd-seeks-a-unified-yamuna-riverfront-in-delhi-akin-to-sabarmati-101746038112935.html  (01 May 2025)

Floodplain parks to be interconnected: DDA The new parks along the Yamuna floodplain will be now interconnected to the cycle tracks and footpaths, DDA plans. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said that a meeting was recently held with the officials regarding the Yamuna riverfront project during which linking all parks and public spaces for the convenience of visitors was discussed. “Currently, the DDA has developed several big parks like Bansera and Asita on the floodplain, and many other projects are coming up. But these are not connected to each other. So, the idea is that once visitors enter from one end, for example, Asita at ITO, they can access other parks on the floodplain,” said Verma.

Officials have stated that work is in progress on the development of Mayur Nature Park near the Mayur Vihar area, along with a major Yamuna Riverfront project near Sarai Kale Khan. Verma has instructed DDA officials to prepare a proposal for constructing footpaths and cycle tracks connecting these parks. “As per the guidelines, construction is not allowed on the Yamuna floodplain, so we are figuring out a way of making walkways and cycle tracks that do not violate the rules, but still the goal is achieved,” said Verma.

The DDA has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report. Recently, LG V K Saxena reviewed the progress of jute-based pathway construction at Asita Park on the Yamuna floodplain, developed by the DDA. He has directed that similar pathway be implemented along the tracks in the northern ridge, where restoration efforts recently began following his visit. https://www.indiatvnews.com/delhi/yamuna-floodplain-parks-set-to-be-interconnected-with-cycle-tracks-footpaths-dda-2025-05-01-988110  (01 May 2025)

New features at Baansera park Baansera is spread across 40 hectares. The new features planned for Baansera include a recreational club, food court offering multiple cuisines, an information kiosk for adventure sports, an organic haat, and a tent city with small tent accommodation to increase tourism. DDA plans to add a children’s play area, built using bamboo, bamboo miniatures of Delhi monuments, watchtowers made of bamboo and other miscellaneous bamboo amenities. DDA has started the process of appointing a technical advisor for conducting feasibility studies and selecting a developer or concessionaire who will operate and mainten Baansera on a public private partnership (PPP) mode.

Some of the features that already exist at Baansera are water bodies, mounds, pathways, forest trail, bamboo structure works, children play area, elephant family sculpture, musical fountain, flower bed area and a 25,000sqms “top plateau”. Baansera has been developed as a public park at a former wasteland site along the Yamuna and features more than 15 varieties of 30,000 bamboo plants. DDA has also planted the medicinal Lakadong turmeric plant from Meghalaya under the thick bamboo groves over two acres of land at Baansera. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/tent-city-organic-haat-adventure-zone-among-new-features-at-baansera-in-delhi-101745173405473.html  (21 April 2025)

Capital lacks EIA body: GNCTD -At present there is no State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) / State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) existing in Delhi, according to a report filed by the Department of Environment, GNCTD, April 29, 2025 to the NGT. The tenure of the SEIAA / SEAC of Delhi expired on September 5, 2024. Since then, an expert appraisal committee (EAC) of MoEF&CC has been dealing with cases related to environmental clearances.

-Till September 5, 2024, no environmental clearance has been issued to any mining lease / mining property in Delhi. “There was no application pending before SEIAA/SEAC with regard to seeking environmental clearance of mining lease projects.” The report was in compliance with the NGT order, January 16, 2025. NGT had taken suo motu cognizance of a The Times of India article How sand miners laid road across Yamuna between Delhi and Ghaziabad dated November 30, 2024. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-april-29-2025  (30 April 2025)

नदी है नहीं और बनाएंगे रिवरफ्रंट दिल्ली में यमुना लगभग अस्तित्वविहीन है, लेकिन बीजेपी की रेखा गुप्ता सरकार करोड़ों खर्च करने की योजनाओं का ऐलान कर रिवरफ्रंट तक बनाने के दावे-वादे कर रही है। (पंकज चतुर्वेदी) https://www.navjivanindia.com/opinion/bjp-plans-a-riverfront-on-the-non-existent-yamuna-in-delhi  (12 April 2025)

Agra एक नदी की त्रासदी, एक वादे का विश्वासघात ! एक दशक से अधिक समय पहले, 2014 के चुनावी जोश में आगरा और मथुरा-वृंदावन की सभाओं में, प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने इसके खोए वैभव को लौटाने का वचन दिया था। मगर 2025 में, यह नदी टूटी आशाओं का दुखद स्मारक बनी हुई है। केंद्रीय मंत्री नितिन गडकरी ने कभी दिल्ली से आगरा तक स्टीमर सेवाओं की बात की थी, लेकिन यमुना की हकीकत ऐसी कल्पनाओं का मजाक उड़ाती है। प्रगति के सरकारी दावे—40 से ज्यादा नालों को बंद करना, 7 STP का संचालन—जांच के सामने ढह जाते हैं। (Brij Khandelwal) https://www.thenewsagency.in/uttar-pradesh/as-leaders-and-officials-turn-a-blind-eye-to-pollution-yamuna-cries-wails-in-agra  (April 2025)

DAMS & HEPs IN YAMUNA BASIN

Uttarakhand Blasting at Lakhwar Dam Damaging River The incident once again shows the scale of violations of norms that unusually take place in Dam construction projects in absence of adequate monitoring by the CWC and MoEF. It must be mentioned that the dam project scrapped in 1980s is being pushed on the basis of outdated environmental and social impacts assessment. https://sandrp.in/2025/04/10/yamuna-manthan-100425-blasting-at-lakhwar-dam-shaking-hills-damaging-river/  (10 April 2025)

Uttar Pradesh Arid Bundelkhand to be hub of water sports “Water sports will be promoted at 7 dams and reservoirs,” read a press statement issued on Saturday (April 19) by the state government. Of the 7 places identified for water sports, 5 are in the Bundelkhand region.  “The dams and reservoirs selected for eco-tourism development include Gunta Dam in Chitrakoot, Arjun Dam in Mahoba, Dhandraul Dam in Sonbhadra, Maudha Dam in Hamirpur, Garhmau Lake in Jhansi, Majhouli Sagar in Siddharthnagar, and Nawab Tank in Banda,” read the statement. The department of irrigation and water resources will provide technical support and necessary approvals. It will also ensure that the safety and structural integrity of the dams are not compromised and that environmental and safety standards for water-based activities are strictly followed. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/arid-bundelkhand-to-be-up-s-hub-of-water-sports-101745081632958.html  (19 April 2025)

INTERLINKING OF YAMUNA RIVERS

Ken-Betwa Link A misguided megaproject A critical examination of the KBLP’s feasibility came during a Wednesdays.for.Water session organized by the WforW Foundation, a think tank dedicated to water conservation dialogues. The session, titled “The Decision-Making Process of the Ken-Betwa Link Project,” featured two experts who laid bare the project’s shortcomings. Himanshu Thakkar, an engineer from IIT Mumbai and coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People (SANDRP), questioned the core claim that the Ken River has surplus water. https://www.counterview.in/2025/05/the-ken-betwa-link-project-misguided.html  (07 May 2025)

Questions on decision-making process The Wednesdays.for.Water session on, ‘The decision-making process of the Ken- Betwa Link Project’, focus is on the nuances of the policy and the decision-making process, including the local people’s perspective, that were involved to arrive to the commencement of the project. The speakers of the session are Himanshu Thakkar (of SANDRP) and Nikita D’cruz. The session provides an understanding of the geopolitical-social-ecological aspects that shape and impact and will do so to the future of the linking rivers and the served population in India.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxKnf9zza98&t=1538s  (04 May 2025)

Thousands of tribals face displacement Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP said that there are a large number of issues with the Ken-Betwa project. “One major issue is, of course, the question of justification of the project,” said Thakkar, who has previously appealed at the National Green Tribunal against the environmental impact assessment of the project. He said there may also not be sufficient water for a dam, as hydrological figures were never published or independently scrutinised. “So essentially, we are told to assume that there is surplus water in Ken without any figures,” he said. https://article-14.com/post/as-modi-govt-fast-tracks-controversial-project-to-link-rivers-thousands-of-anxious-angry-adivasis-set-to-lose-homes–681a8524398a9  (07 May 2025)

Shocking statement from UP’s Jal Shakti Minister, saying Bundelkhand is prosperous due to Ken Betwa Project!: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/rivers-are-foundation-of-prosperity-minister-swatantra-dev-singh/articleshowprint/120708124.cms  (29 April 2025)

Farmers Resent Against Project Resentment is brewing among the farmers of Chhatarpur district against the Ken-Betwa Link Project. The farmers have already sent memorandums and staged sit-ins against the project. But their efforts fell through. Their anger turned into a major protest on Apr 15. They took out a march under the banner of the Jai Kisan, a farmers’ organisation. The government also violated the environmental rules, the farmers alleged. Amit Bhatnagar, an office-bearer of the Jai Kisan, led the march which reached the collectorate at noon. Hundreds of farmers from Surai, Kharyani, Dhodhan and other villages joined the march. They alleged that the government had not surveyed the villages before launching the project. https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-farmers-resent-against-ken-betwa-link-project-marches-under-the-banner-of-the-jai-kisan  (16 April 2025)

यमुना–घग्गर लिंक नहर सिरसा: -अखिल भारतीय कांग्रेस कमेटी की महासचिव और क्षेत्र की सांसद कुमारी सैलजा ने केंद्रीय जल शक्ति मंत्री को पत्र भेजकर यमुना-घग्गर लिंक नहर को प्राथमिकता देने की मांग की है। उन्होंने कहा कि प्रदेश के जल संकट के स्थायी समाधान के लिए यमुना-घग्गर लिंक नहर का निर्माण किया जा सकता है। https://www.amarujala.com/haryana/sirsa/yamuna-ghaggar-link-canal-will-provide-permanent-solution-to-haryanas-water-crisis-selja-sirsa-news-c-128-1-svns1027-137415-2025-05-06  (06 May 2025)

YAMUNA WATER SHARING DISPUTES

SYL Dispute cannot be decided on law alone Very interesting observation by the apex court bench on May 06: Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute can’t be decided on law alone without considering ground realities. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/syl-canal-dispute-cant-be-decided-on-law-alone-without-considering-ground-realities-sc/  (07 May 2025) “We direct both the states to cooperate with the Union of India in arriving at an amicable solution,” the bench said. The bench said it would hear the matter on August 13 if it is not resolved by then. “We have made efforts for mediation, but the states have to walk the talk,” Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, told the bench.  https://www.deccanherald.com/india/sutlej-yamuna-link-canal-row-supreme-court-directs-punjab-haryana-to-cooperate-with-centre-for-amicable-resolution-3526570; https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sutlej-yamuna-link-canal-row-supreme-court-directs-punjab-haryana-to-work-with-centre-for-resolution-in-canal-row-8341982  (06 May 2025) https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/punjab-and-haryana-high-court/punjab-haryana-high-court-punjab-police-cannot-interfere-with-operation-of-bhakra-dam-291488   (07 May 2025)

Haryana-Rajasthan Progress review of Yamuna water at Pilani CM Bhajanlal Sharma will review the progress of Yamuna water at Pilani in Jhunjhunu district on April 21 ahead of the second joint meeting of Haryana and Rajasthan Task Force. The second joint meeting of the task force is proposed to be held at Hisar in Haryana on April 25. Senior officials of the Haryana government will also participate in this meeting, an official statement said on Apr 19.

Under this scheme, it is proposed to bring water from Hathinikund Barrage to Hansiyawas reservoir in Churu district through three underground pipelines. An MoU has been signed for Renukaji and Lakhwar storage projects in the Upper Yamuna Basin, according to which Rajasthan has paid its share amount of ₹77.90 crore to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. An MoU for Kishau is yet to be signed. After the completion of these projects, 201 MCM water of Rajasthan’s share at Hathinikund Barrage will be available to Rajasthan through these pipelines throughout the year after the monsoon. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rajasthan-cm-to-review-progress-of-yamuna-water-at-pilani-on-apr-21-101745070875804.html (19 Apr 2025)

YAMUNA RIVERS

Book यमुना की सहेलियों की पीड़ा यह पुस्तक न केवल यमुना की प्रमुख सहायक नदियों—चंबल, बेतवा, केन, हिंडन, काली, साहिबी आदि—की मौजूदा स्थिति का विश्लेषण करती है, बल्कि यह भी बताती है कि किस प्रकार अनियंत्रित औद्योगीकरण, अवैध रेत खनन और जल संसाधनों के अंधाधुंध दोहन ने इन नदियों को दम तोड़ने के कगार पर ला दिया है।

क्या हम अब भी इन सहायक नदियों को पुनर्जीवित कर सकते हैं? क्या यमुना को उसके मूल स्वरूप में लौटाने की कोई संभावना है? इस पुस्तक में इन ज्वलंत प्रश्नों पर गहन चर्चा की गई है और संभावित समाधान प्रस्तुत किए गए हैं। यह शोधार्थियों, पर्यावरणविदों, नीति-निर्माताओं और आम नागरिकों के लिए समान रूप से उपयोगी सिद्ध होगी। https://tinyurl.com/ye8znnm7

Dehradun River encroachments to be removed by June 30: Govt Encroachments around the Bindal River in Dehradun’s Doon Valley will be removed by June 30, the Uttarakhand govt has said in an affidavit in the high court in response to a plea that pointed to dying rivers due to encroachments on the feeder drains and streams. The affidavit said encroachments on 29.5257 hectares out of 35.7135 hectares of land within the Dehradun municipal limits have been removed. “Further, 6.1878 hectares of land is still in possession of illegal encroachers,” said the affidavit filed on Tuesday (April 15) as a bench of Chief Justice G Narender and Justice Alok Mahra heard Dehradun-resident Urmila Thapa’s public interest litigation over tree felling and encroachments around storm water drains that flow into Rispana & Bindal rivers. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/doon-valley-river-encroachments-to-be-removed-by-june-30-uttarakhand-govt-101744784486565.html (16 Apr 2025)

It was alleged in the PILs that the constant dumping of debris in the rivers and streams has led to encroachment. It was also killing the local and seasonal streams that contribute to the Rispana river, the PILs said. The court had passed a similar order earlier too saying that the debris should be removed as it is a question of the survival of future generations. The same bench of the high court had said, “If we continue with this, the future generations will curse us”. The Chief Justice also said these streams help in preventing landslides. If the debris keeps piling up, the streams will go haywire, causing floods, land erosion and landslides. https://theprint.in/india/high-court-orders-removal-of-debris-from-water-bodies-in-dehradun-district/2591197/  (15 April 2025) The court has sought documentation regarding map authorisations granted to two influential individuals in the Vikasnagar area, following adverse remarks reported by the sub-divisional magistrate against them. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-halts-construction-without-map-around-rispana-and-bindal-rivers/articleshow/120320159.cms  (15 April 2025)

HC stays slum demolition The high court on Apr 12 provisionally stayed the demolition of slum dwellers’ homes in Vikas Nagar area and questioned the state govt for “not giving them a chance to be heard, while influential encroachers remained untouched”. Despite it being a holiday, a special hearing was held by the bench of Chief Justice G Narendar & Justice Ashish Naithani to hear petitions filed by affected residents. The court asked the govt to explain the situation by Apr 15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/why-no-representation-for-slum-dwellers-no-action-against-influential/articleshow/120238578.cms (12 April 2025)

Delhi Govt plans RFD along Najafgarh drain During visit to Najafgarh drain, the CM along accompanied by the LG and Water Minister Parvesh Verma inspected 50 acres of land belonging to the irrigation and flood control department and announced that the government has now decided to transform this land into a beautiful and grand public park. “This land holds immense potential for the community and has long been left in a deplorable condition. We are now committed to converting it into a lush, accessible green space,” she said. The plan also includes a proposed riverfront development along the Sahibi river. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-cm-gupta-announces-riverfront-at-najafgarh-drain-inspects-ongoing-desilting-efforts-101744289969524.html (10 Apr 2025)

Noida Hindon river in Gaziabad is always covered with a thick sheet of water hyacinth due to impoundment of highly polluted waters by the barrage there. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16WXSWzryk/  (16 April 2025)

Yamuna Nagar नकटी नदी के गलत बने तटबंध को हटाने का काम शुरू साढौरा: अमित सेतिया ने बताया कि सिंचाई विभाग ने नदी में सरकारी जमीन पर किए कब्जों से हटकर तटबंध बना दिया। तटबंध बनाए जाने से केवल अवैध कब्जे ही सुरक्षित हुए, वहीं तटबंध बनाए जाने से नकटी नदी का प्रवाह क्षेत्र का दायरा भी सिमट गया। नतीजन बारिश के दिनों में नकटी नदी का उफनता पानी आगे जाने के बजाय कस्बे के कई मोहल्लों में जलभराव का कारण बन गया। https://www.amarujala.com/haryana/yamuna-nagar/work-to-remove-wrongly-constructed-embankment-of-nakti-river-begins-yamuna-nagar-news-c-246-1-sknl1022-137379-2025-05-08  (08 May 2025)

Haryana Plans to channel Sutlej water into Saraswati Notably, at this moment, construction of a dam and a barrage at Adi Badri is progressing rapidly, aimed at ensuring a year-round flow of water in the Saraswati River. HSHDB is also preparing to harness catchment waters from the Shivalik range in HP, especially rivers coming from Bilaspur (HP). Under its persistent efforts, over the past three years, the HSHDB has succeeded in enabling water flow along nearly 400 km of the Saraswati riverbed during the monsoon season, completing the first phase of river rejuvenation. Additionally, a major lake project is already underway across 350 acres near Chhalor village in Bilaspur (Haryana).” To further the project, Dhuman Singh will participate in a key meeting on April 28 at the Birla Remote Sensing Technology Centre in Jaipur with ISRO and remote sensing officials. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/saraswati-board-plans-to-channel-sutlej-river-water-into-saraswati-collaboration-with-haryana-space-center-and-central-water-commission-underway/articleshow/120672824.cms  (27 April 2025) Notably, Rajasthan and Haryana officials met scientists in Jaipur to plan Saraswati river revival. ISRO and Denmark experts will map its ancient paleo channel to trace and restore the river’s original path. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/29/rajasthan-haryana-to-gain-from-diversion-of-indus-waters-as-plan-to-revive-saraswati-river-gets-boost  (29 April 2025)

Build check dams in hilly forest areas: CM The CM Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday (April 26) directed forest department officials to build as many check dams as possible in the hilly forest areas so that water can be conserved during monsoon and the groundwater level can be maintained. He also told officials not to compromise with quality at any cost during the construction of check dams and directed them to assess the current condition of all the old check dams and repair them, according to an official statement. https://theprint.in/india/haryana-cm-asks-officials-to-build-check-dams-in-hilly-forest-areas-to-conserve-water-in-monsoon/2605362/  (26 April 2025)

Gwalior HC pushes for ‘Social Audit’ in river revival PIL In a significant push to revive Gwalior’s historic Swaran Rekha river, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has emphasised the implementation of “Social Audit” and called for a panel of experts from diverse fields to oversee the river’s rejuvenation and associated urban development efforts. A division bench of the MP High Court at Gwalior, comprising Justice Anand Pathak and Justice Hirdesh, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), filed by Advocate Vishwajeet Ratoniya in 2019, noted that despite earlier directives, substantial progress is still lacking. Citing Sections 5(54-a) and 130-B of the Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1956, the court emphasised the need for civic engagement through the “Social Audit” model, allowing residents to assess urban development policies and their effectiveness. Next hearing on May 7 2025. https://www.thesuntoday.in/madhya-pradesh-high-court-pushes-for-social-audit-in-gwalior-swarn-rekha-river-revival-pil-seeks-expert-panel/ (4 May 2025)

Madhya Pradesh 32 बड़ी नदियों में से 27 की ‘गंगोत्री‘ खत्म मध्य प्रदेश में छोटी-बड़ी मिलाकर करीब 207 नदियां बहती हैं. इसमें से 175 नदियां सिर्फ बरसाती हैं. बड़ी नदियों में नर्मदा,शिप्रा, गोदावरी,माही, चंबल और ताप्ती शामिल हैं. चिंता इस बात की है कि राज्य की 32 बड़ी नदियों में से 27 के उद्गम स्थल सूख चुके हैं. ये खुलासा खुद राज्य में मंत्री प्रह्लाद पटेल ने की है. https://mpcg.ndtv.in/madhya-pradesh-news/out-of-32-major-rivers-of-madhya-pradesh-the-origin-of-27-rivers-is-dry-the-risk-of-water-crisis-increased-8196375  (18 April 2025)

Uttar Pradesh ‘मिढ़ासन नदी का भ्रष्टाचार ‘मिढ़ासन नदीको पुनर्जीवित करने के नाम पर वर्षों पूर्व तक़रीबन 20 करोड़ रुपये खर्च किये जा चुके है। फिर भी इस नदी की हालत सुधरने के बजाय और बिगड़ गई है। पहले तो इस नदी में गर्मी के समय कहीं-कहीं गड्ढों में पानी दिख भी जाता था, लेकिन अब तो यह पूरी तरह सूखे मैदान में तब्दील हो जाती है। यह कुछ वैसे ही है जैसे उत्तरप्रदेश के भूभाग पर बहने वाली महोबा क्षेत्र की उर्मिल,धसान, चंद्रावल नदियां जिन्हें लाख जतन व भारी बजट के बावजूद उत्खनन की मार और सरकारी अदूरदर्शिता के चलते धरातल पर पुनर्जीवित नही किया जा सका। (अरुण सिंह पन्ना / आशीष सागर दीक्षित,बाँदा)  https://soochanasansar.in/corruption-of-madhya-pradeshs-midhasan-river-a-tributary-of-ken-river-bundelakhnd-regional/ (20 Apr 2025)

YAMUNA FLOODPLAIN

Delhi Citizens Dialogue for river rejuvenation Yamuna Maintaining minimum river flow is critical as the river’s reduced flow during the dry season spirals the concentration of pollutants. The idea of riverfront development which concretizes the floodplains and permits construction at the edge of the main channel has to be avoided at all costs. Maintaining a high level of ecological integrity of the river ecosystem must be a critical part of the rejuvenation strategy. A concerted action needs to be taken at the national level to save river Yamuna. https://www.youtube.com/live/HIBTPT2n6wI  (09 April 2025)

Former NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar along with other experts emphasised the need to tackle pollution, rather than resort to solutions like concretisation or running motorboats. They stressed that the problem lies in insufficient commitment to cleaning the river, despite the availability of resources. Justice Kumar said that while the necessary funding exists, Delhi government’s lack of dedication has allowed River Yamuna to remain polluted. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/instead-of-concretising-yamuna-or-running-motorboats-focus-on-tackling-pollution-experts/articleshow/120172763.cms  (11 April 2025) Calling the Yamuna an “open sewer,” justice Kumar said the river’s current condition stemmed from a lack of political will and enforcement. “It stinks. Calling it a drain is a better expression than calling it a river. But it can still be fixed,” he said, citing his 2015 NGT judgment Maili se Nirmal Yamuna. “Funds have never been a problem. Over ₹2,000 crore was allocated by the Centre to the Delhi government, but it was never utilised.” Pental said the city’s lifeline is dying a slow death, despite the availability of known solutions. CR Babu, head of Delhi University’s Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), proposed natural alternatives such as constructed wetlands.. https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-haryana-9wef/20250410/281689735642373  (10 April 2025)

LG orders suspension of DDA staff Taking stringent steps to control encroachment of DDA land on the Yamuna floodplain, lieutenant governor VK Saxena on Tuesday ordered the immediate suspension of field staff for the alarming re-encroachment of land near Pusta Road in Mayur Vihar Phase-I to NH-24. The suspended staff include the assistant and junior engineers responsible for the Mayur Nature Park project site, said officials.

LG has directed the vice-chairman of DDA to submit a detailed report on the inquiry and actions taken in response to these directives within seven days for review,” said an official. LG has directed DDA that similar stringent actions will be taken in case of any fresh encroachment or re-encroachment on its land, the statement added. The stretch from Mayur Vihar Phase-I to NH-24 is crucial for the restoration and rejuvenation of the Yamuna floodplain, where DDA is currently implementing the Mayur Nature Park project. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/lieutenant-governor-orders-suspension-of-delhi-development-authority-staff-over-re-encroachment-of-yamuna-floodplain/articleshow/120104557.cms  (09 April 2025)

Noida NGT directs authorities not to allow illegal construction The tribunal was hearing a matter over the alleged “major changes” in violation of the environmental norms by Jaypee Infratech Ltd in Jaypee Wishtown, a township in Noida. The plea alleged illegal construction was being carried out in the green area of the township. In an order dated April 21, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted constructions could not be allowed as the area of the township was located in the Yamuna river bed and was a green area as part of the Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The bench also barred construction by Jaypee in violation of the environmental norms till the next hearing on August 21. https://theprint.in/india/ngt-directs-authorities-not-to-allow-illegal-construction-in-noida/2602549/  (24 April 2025) https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/river/construction-should-not-be-done-in-yamuna-flood-area-ignoring-environmental-rules-ngt  (25 April 2025) Any type of construction including farmhouses, road, colonies that have been built in Yamuna floodplains area will be soon razed by the Noida Authority after survey, said officials. The action comes after a meeting chaired by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lokesh M directing officials to identify and demolish the illegal constructions in the Hindon-Yamuna floodplains. https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/noida-to-raze-illegal-constructions-on-yamuna-floodplains-609903  (09 May 2025) बैठक में मुख्य कार्यपालक अधिकारी महोदय द्वारा निर्देश दिये गये कि डूब क्षेत्र में अवैध रूप से कालोनी विकसित करने वाले एवं फार्म हाउस की विक्रय करने वाले प्रमुख व्यक्तियों को चिन्हित कर उन्हें भू-माफिया घोषित कर उनके विरूद्ध कठोर कार्यवाही सुनिश्चित की जाय। https://jaihindjanab.com/bulldozer-will-be-used-on-illegal-construction-in-yamuna-hind-area-ceo-dm-have-made-full-preparations/  (08 May 2025)

2^nd expressway along Yamuna The second expressway between Noida & Greater Noida is to be a 6-lane elevated road between Okhla barrage near Kalindi Kunj and Yamuna Expressway via the Hindon-Yamuna doab. UP govt has now directed UP Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to execute the riverside bypass. Noida Authority was earlier considering 2 proposed alignments—an 8-lane ground-level road or a six-lane elevated corridor—for the road that will offer direct connectivity to commuters travelling from Delhi and Faridabad to the Noida International Airport, which will start operation in 2025.

-Officials said extensive illegal constructions and farmhouses on the Yamuna floodplains made an elevated road more feasible. A ground-level road, they claimed, would not only face regulatory hurdles but also encourage further encroachments in a flood-prone area. The revised alignment now proposes to connect Sector 168 and a 75-metre-wide road between Sectors 149A and 150. Officials said some design tweaks are expected in the final draft plan. The 5.9-km-long Chilla Elevated Road is also a six-lane road aimed at easing congestion at Noida’s entry point. Once operational, it will provide direct access to the Noida Expressway for vehicles from Mayur Vihar and East Delhi. When connected with the new elevated corridor, the combined network will enable uninterrupted travel between Delhi, Haryana, and cities like Agra and Lucknow via the Yamuna and Lucknow expressways. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/noidas-second-expressway-along-yamuna-to-be-six-lane-elevated-road/articleshowprint/120562107.cms  (24 April 2025)

Mathura Grand RFD planned UP govt’s new master plan for Mathura aims to give the city a makeover by 2031, with a 30km Yamuna riverfront as its centrepiece. The riverfront will be located within the proposed Raya Urban Centre, which is an 11,653-hectare area – half the size of Noida – earmarked in the master plan for development as a tourist destination. Raya’s other highlight is a Heritage City, to be built as a museum to Mathura’s heritage.

The master plan marks 33% of Raya Urban Centre for tourism, riverfront development, and recreational green spaces – 505 hectares (4%) for the riverfront, 1,520 hectares (13%) for a tourism zone, and 1,920 hectares (16%) for recreational green spaces. Heritage City, which is a part of this, will showcase Mathura’s association with Lord Krishna, with a Rs 7,000-crore development plan that makes the city a fourth node in the state’s spiritual tourism circuit after Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/will-mathura-beat-delhi-to-a-yamuna-waterfront/articleshow/119555815.cms  (27 March 2025)

Prayagraj Initial survey begins for six-lane bridge over Yamuna The bridge is proposed to connect Madouka in Naini to Karelabagh (near the Kareli area of the city) and promises to ease traffic congestion and boost regional development. The proposal for the bridge was passed during a cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on January 22. The meeting approved the construction of two new bridges—one, a six-lane bridge across the Yamuna from Madouka to Karelabagh, and the other, a four-lane bridge over the Ganga from Salori to Hetapatti. Authorities have started the initial survey work for both the proposed projects. Last month, the initial survey was done for the bridge over the Ganga, and now preparations for the Yamuna bridge have already taken a concrete shape. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/initial-survey-begins-for-six-lane-bridge-over-yamuna-river-in-prayagraj-/articleshow/120154511.cms  (10 April 2025)

YAMUNA FLOWS

Delhi Weakened flow is killing river The single-minded focus on pollution of the river has resulted in a tunnel vision, where the critical issue of adequate flow in the river doesn’t attract similar fervor of action. The Upper Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement will lapse this year. The riparian states will press for raising their share, but the MoJS must speak up for the voiceless river. The Upper Yamuna River Board can’t be a passive onlooker, monitoring allocation to the states but ignoring the needs of the river itself. While the present allocation of 10 cumecs to flow downstream of Hathni Kund, settled in 1994, is grossly inadequate, the NIH’s recommendation of 23 cumecs, if implemented, can improve the flow in the river. However, this may not amount to environmental flow (e-flow) levels.

The Yamuna River Basin water budget must take into account irrigation demand, domestic and industrial requirements plus the scientifically determined minimum flow required to be left in the river, particularly from October to June. If values are estimated for the utilisation by various sectors, it will be apparent that demand management needs the maximum focus. Clearly, irrigation efficiency should be taken up on war footing. The NCT of Delhi, too, can do its bit by implementing its water policy — dormant since 2015 — whose key recommendations are demand management and recycling. (Manu Bhatnagar) https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/weakened-flow-is-killing-the-yamuna-101744451328639.html  (12 April 2025)

YAMUNA POLLUTION

Delhi Panel to look into bypassing of new flow meters at STPs High Court have set up a panel to investigate if a substantial portion of water is bypassing the newly installed flow meters and sensors in 25 STPs meant to monitor pollution in the Yamuna. A special bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora said the “entire purpose of STPs would be defeated if the water/sewage is permitted to bypass the flow meters and the sensors at the outlet”. Ordering a team of officials, lawyers and petitioners to inspect each of the flow meters, the high court expressed its opinion that “since 35 out of the 37 STPs are now stated to be having flow meters and are part of an online monitoring system with the sensors, the same deserve to be inspected to get the actual position from the ground”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/panel-to-look-into-bypassing-of-new-flow-meters-at-stps/articleshowprint/121006282.cms  (08 May 2025)

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting on Apr 16 to review issues related to the cleaning of the Yamuna River and Delhi’s drinking water supply, it is learnt. During the meeting a presentation on the cleaning and rejuvenation of the Yamuna River and Delhi’s drinking water issues was made.

“We will collaborate with the central government to develop Yamuna River front, on the lines of the Sabarmati Riverfront, ensuring 24×7 commercial establishments, interactive shows, theatres and other entertainment facilities along the riverbanks,” the BJP said in its statement. “We will set up a Yamuna Kosh to revitalise the Yamuna river, which has been neglected by AAP-DA for the past 10 years. Under this, we will: Undertake full treatment of wastewater from drains like Barapullah, Shahdara and Ghazipur before it flows into the Yamuna,” it said.  https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-high-level-meeting-yamuna-delhi-drinking-water-supply-9949954/  (17 April 2025)

Agency-wise action plan to clean the river was reviewed in the meeting to assess the current status of the Yamuna river and discuss ongoing work & plans for its cleaning and rejuvenation, the Delhi govt statement said. The meeting discussed short-term activities (of three months), medium-term activities (three months to one-and-a-half years) and long-term activities (one-and-a-half years to three years) related to the cleaning of the Yamuna along with management of drains, sewage, industrial waste and identification of gaps in wastewater treatment. Monitoring measures, improving the flow in the river Yamuna, floodplain protection, green riverfront development and public outreach were all discussed with specific timelines, it said.

A ‘Jan Bhagidari Movement’ enlisting volunteers for Yamuna rejuvenation and holding public events around the river were also emphasised. In addition to the Delhi stretch, special attention may also be paid to the culturally rich area around Braj, making the ‘Braj Yatra’ a part of the river-people movement, the statement said. Actions to be taken to rejuvenate the river stretches in Haryana, Delhi as well as the stretch downstream up to Sangam at Prayagraj were deliberated in the meeting. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/space-tech-public-participation-pm-modi-reviews-yamuna-rejuvenation-plan-8189831  (17 April 2025) PM advised that the best available technology should be harnessed to gather micro-level real-time data to measure the flows in the drains and monitor the functioning of STPs. Further planning and implementation of pollution abatement infrastructure should be based on this data. He also suggested the use of space technology to gather data for better governance of the existing infrastructure. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/use-space-technology-real-time-data-to-rejuvenate-yamuna-pm/articleshow/120388719.cms  (17 April 2025) The high-level meeting came a day after the Delhi government’s expenditure and finance committee, headed by chief minister Rekha Gupta, approved the setting up of 27 decentralised sewage treatment plants (D-STPs), related facilities, and infrastructure at a cost of ₹3,140 crore for cleaning the Yamuna.

The Jal Shakti ministry has proposed that interventions such as sewage treatment, dredging, improving DO levels, and restoring “jal pravah” (natural water flow) to support the river’s self-cleaning capacity should be undertaken in a “mission mode,” the official said. “There may be an overarching Yamuna Mission on the pattern of the NMCG,” the official added. The Jal Shakti ministry has been asked to set up “institutional mechanisms” to enable coordination between the Haryana and Delhi govts — crucial, officials said, as several key actions must be implemented upstream of Delhi. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/pm-modi-backs-role-of-public-space-tech-in-yamuna-revival-101744914538337.html  (17 April 2025)

Plan to tap Ganga water to clean Yamuna The proposal was discussed last week during a high-level meeting involving Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and PM Narendra Modi. A combined meeting chaired by Mr. Modi and attended by Mr. Shah, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and top officials further advanced the discussions. “After the PM’s meeting, the plan is now at an advanced stage. Finer details are being worked out, and Uttar Pradesh is also part of the discussions,” said a senior government official.

-The current proposal involves diverting about 380 MGD of additional water from the UGC, the largest Ganga canal, flowing through western Uttar Pradesh, into the Yamuna. “U.P. won’t lose out, as most of this extra water will flow back into the State through the Yamuna, which lies downstream of Delhi,” the official added. The Centre is also considering giving U.P. additional funds for its irrigation as compensation for any potential impact. “The exact details, such as the volume of water and diversion points, will be finalised in the agreement with U.P. It will take more time, but it is looking positive,” said another source.

-Since the UGC does not cross Delhi or directly connect to the Yamuna, the plan involves channelling water from the UGC into the Eastern Yamuna Canal (EYC), which also flows through U.P. From there, it would be diverted into the Yamuna via existing infrastructure. “There are existing channels that can carry the water to the Yamuna. Only minor works may be needed, and those won’t take long,” the official said.

-Though other water sources were initially considered, the UGC emerged as the most feasible option due to its higher water availability. According to the sources, the government aims to rely solely on existing infrastructure to avoid delays associated with new construction, such as seeking approvals, issuing tenders, and building, which could take two to three years. Ganga water diversion is seen as an interim measure. The long-term solution lies in constructing three dams in the upper reaches of the Yamuna. “Once these dams are completed, excess water during monsoon can be stored and released during lean season to maintain the required river flow,” the official said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/plan-in-motion-to-tap-ganga-water-to-clean-yamuna-in-delhi/article69492288.ece  (26 April 2025)

River dredging to be undertaken The project, which is expected to cost ₹25.79 crore and take around two months, will involve selecting an agency to remove accumulated silt, weeds and shoal. A senior Delhi Jal Board (DJB) official said the exercise will entail removing around 363,000 cubic metres of silt. “Currently, it is only able to hold around 100 mgd and once the project is complete, its capacity will be between 200-250 mgd. We estimate that there is an average of 2.15 metres of siltation in the riverbed,” the official said.

As per a DJB report, the work of desilting at Wazirabad was last undertaken in 2013, and that was done on a smaller scale. It was, however, stopped by the NGT over sand mining concerns. In 2015, the tribunal permitted the work, noting that “dredging needs to be carried out in public interest and to maintain the flow of the river”. NGT also directed the contractor concerned to pay ₹500 per cubic metre of sand, and said the same will be used for environmental restoration. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/dredging-of-yamuna-in-delhi-to-be-undertaken-after-over-a-decade-101745346387424.html (23 Apr 2025)

Govt’s new plan From enhancing environmental flow of the river to managing drains and removing encroachments from floodplains through a dedicated Special Task Force, the Government has finalised a 30-point action plan to rejuvenate the Yamuna, The Indian Express has learnt. The plan, which involves the Central and Delhi governments, was drawn up following a high-level meeting chaired by PM Modi on April 16 to review the clean-up and address the capital’s drinking water concerns. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/30-point-action-plan-centre-plans-clean-up-yamuna-9976466/  (02 May 2025)

DJB’s Rs 3,104-cr proposal to clean Yamuna DJB has proposed the construction of 40 decentralised STPs and extension of sewer lines in Outer Delhi at an estimated cost of Rs 3,104.57 cr. The proposal, discussed in a recent meeting of the Finance Dept’s Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), is aimed at covering 416 unauthorised colonies and 115 villages across seven Assembly constituencies, benefitting approximately 35 lakh residents.

The project is being funded under the Centre’s AMRUT 2.0 scheme. It proposes a three-month planning period followed by 18 months of execution, excluding monsoon delays. For 2025-26, an amount of Rs 613.4 crore has been earmarked. In the minutes of the meeting, it was emphasised that “the timeline is the essence of a project”.

The EFC directed DJB to include “stringent penalty clauses in the tender documents to assure high-quality construction and adherence to the stipulated timeline.” A Project Management Consultant (PMC) will be appointed, and the Urban Development Department has been instructed to establish a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) for oversight. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/40-stps-extension-of-sewer-lines-djbs-rs-3104-cr-proposal-to-clean-yamuna-9989496/  (08 May 2025)

Delhi currently operates 38 STPs across 20 locations, with a total treatment capacity of 712 MGD against an estimated sewage generation of 792 MGD. By December 2026, the capacity is expected to rise to 814.06 MGD through upgradation of 14 STPs and construction of three new plants at Sonia Vihar, Delhi Gate, and Okhla, which are expected to add 47 MGD.  https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/40-stps-extension-of-sewer-lines-djbs-rs-3104-cr-proposal-to-clean-yamuna-9989496/  (08 May 2025)

Govt to constitute unit to monitor cleaning efforts The Urban Development Department of the Delhi government plans to constitute a project management unit for timely and efficient completion of works for cleaning the Yamuna related to the DJB. According to officials, the project management unit with officials of the urban development and finance department as members would oversee the river cleaning projects and ensure that there is no cost-escalation or missed deadlines.

“The Urban Development Department shall constitute a Project Management Unit for the entire project,” says the minutes of the expenditure and finance committee meeting. The DJB also plans to hire a private agency to operate and maintain sewage treatment plants for the next 10 years. The entire cost of the project has been pegged at Rs 3,104 crore, funds for which have been approved by the government. https://theprint.in/india/delhi-govt-to-constitute-unit-to-monitor-yamuna-cleaning-efforts/2618642/  (07 May 2025)

DJB plans more D/STPs Of the 40 DSTPs, 13 will be funded by the central govt under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. Tenders for these projects are expected to be floated this month. The consolidated scheme for the remaining 27 DSTPs has been approved by Verma. Tenders for these are likely to be issued by the end of this month, said officials. Officials said that Verma had set June 2027 as the date to complete most of the drain tapping operations and would brook no delays. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-jal-board-plots-a-cleaner-course-for-yamuna/articleshow/120926594.cms  (06 May 2025) अधिकारियों ने कहा कि वर्मा ने अधिकांश नाला टैपिंग कार्यों को पूरा करने के लिए जून 2027 की तारीख तय की है और कोई देरी बर्दाश्त नहीं की जाएगी। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/delhi-jal-board-yamuna-action-plan-to-prevent-untreated-sewage-water-from-drains/articleshow/120923856.cms  (06 May 2025)

Govt orders third-party audit of all STPs While this is welcome provided there is indeed an independent audit, this cannot be a once in a lifetime audit but should be done regularly. More important is to fix the governance of the STPs to make it more transparent, accountable and participatory. Water minister Parvesh Verma directed the DJB on Wednesday (April 23) to conduct a third-party audit of all 37 STPs in the capital. In a recent review meeting with the sewage management wing of DJB, which was also attended by the private operators of some of the plants, the minister was apprised of the current capacity and status of ongoing rehabilitation and upgradation works of the STPs across the city. The minister found out that several STPs were operating below their installed capacity.

Of the 37 STPs currently operational, 18 are undergoing upgradation to improve their performance. Additionally, 3 new STPs at Sonia Vihar, Delhi Gate and Okhla are expected to enhance the overall sewage treatment capacity by approximately 47 MGD. Delhi govt has kept aside Rs 500 crore for the repair and modernization of STPs in the 2025-26 financial year, while an additional Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for replacing old and damaged sewer lines. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamuna-cleaning-govt-orders-third-party-audit-of-all-stps/articleshow/120560482.cms  (23 April 2025) The majority of Delhi’s STPs — 30 out of 37 — are operated by private contractors under outsourcing arrangements. The water minister has instructed these operators to ensure that both capacity and quality standards are strictly maintained. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/delhi-parvesh-verma-orders-audit-of-stps-to-boost-yamuna-clean-up-efforts/  (24 April 2025)

Govt’s 3-point river rescue strategy CM Rekha Gupta recently presented an elaborate plan on rejuvenating the Yamuna and creating a riverfront to PM Modi. The report laid out a three-fold strategy focused on the river’s revival, removal of encroachments along the floodplain and beautification of the riverfront, sources in Delhi govt said. Among the interventions proposed are 100% sewage treatment, tapping of all 22 drains falling into the Yamuna and laying a sewerage network in the city’s 1,799 unauthorised colonies and 639 JJ clusters. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-3-point-river-rescue-strategy/articleshow/120593393.cms  (24 April 2025) The Delhi govt has decided to launch the “Maa Yamuna Swachhta Abhiyan” across schools in the national capital with CM Rekha Gupta saying it was aimed at increasing sensitivity towards the need to revive the holy river. https://indianexpress.com/article/education/yamuna-cleanliness-awareness-campaign-to-be-launched-in-delhi-schools-9968089/  (27 April 2025)

Agenda for cleaning the river Delhi has spent over Rs 6,000 crore in just four years for cleaning the Yamuna – but the river remains as polluted as ever. This briefing document assesses the key reasons and offers an agenda for action. https://www.cseindia.org/yamuna-the-agenda-for-cleaning-the-river-12691  (08 May 2025) The report emphasized the importance of determining the actual volume of sewage being generated in the city rather than relying on estimations. CSE further flagged several discrepancies in data, like wastewater generation, faecal desludging, water being consumed in the city, even the population to assess per capita daily consumption of water. “Wastewater is estimated as 80% of supplied water. The problem is that we don’t know for sure how much wastewater is being generated since there is no clear data on Delhi’s population or the amount of water being supplied through tankers or from groundwater sources,” said Narain. CSE also said that currently 10-14% of treated water was reused and urged not mixing the treated and untreated wastewater by discharging them into drains. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-2-yamuna-stretch-behind-80-of-its-pollution-why-plan-needs-rethink/articleshow/121006281.cms  (08 May 2025) The report, titled ‘Yamuna: The Agenda for Cleaning the River’, noted: “…it is clear that cleaning the river will require more than money. It will need a plan, which recognises the reality that Delhi, like many other cities of India, is a city where the bulk of its people live in unauthorised areas, where sewage is not intercepted and therefore, not treated.” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cleaning-yamuna-will-require-more-than-money-it-will-need-a-plan-cse-9991843/  (09 May 2025) The report highlights a troubling disconnect between investment and impact. Delhi has 37 STPs, reportedly covering 84% of its wastewater, with nearly 80% of households connected to the sewer system. Yet, the 22-km stretch of the river in Delhi shows no signs of revival. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/May/09/citys-yamuna-cleaning-plan-needs-reset-not-just-money-says-report  (09 May 2025)

What Yamuna plan does & doesn’t In the long run, Delhi needs to find better ways to use rainwater. One of the shortcomings of the new Yamuna plan is that it does not connect the dots between rainwater harvesting and reducing the city’s dependence on the Yamuna. The plan does have a floodplain component. However, much of the focus seems to be on removing floodplain encroachments. Delhi will also have to find ways to refurbish its wetlands and catchment areas. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/what-delhis-yamuna-plan-does-and-doesnt-9979540/  (03 May 2025)

DPCC manipulating report? The DPCC recently released a report claiming a significant breakthrough in the fight to clean the Yamuna River — a reported 90%+ drop in fecal coliform levels. At first glance, this seems like a major success for the government’s multi-crore rejuvenation projects. But a closer look at the data reveals a puzzling contradiction. Activist Pankaj Kumar has publicly questioned the credibility and interpretation of the data. As legal and environmental watchdogs continue to scrutinize these developments, one thing is clear: cleaner Yamuna cannot be built on selective data. Transparency, comprehensive treatment, and consistent monitoring across all pollution parameters are essential for genuine progress. https://verdicto.news/yamuna-cleanup-reality-vs-reports  (06 May 2025)

Never ending cleaning  -For the past six years, Pankaj Kumar and a handful of volunteers group that calls itself Team Earth Warriors have been cleaning the Yamuna’s banks at Kalindi Kunj every Sunday. But every week, they find the riverine area as polluted as earlier — with garbage, medical waste, discarded clothes, idols and puja material, polybags, liquor bottles, sometimes even carcasses of animals, either dumped there or ferried by the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/never-ending-cleanup-volunteers-battle-waste-along-yamuna/articleshow/120906939.cms  (05 May 2025) Earth Warriors is a group of volunteers led by Pankaj Kumar, dedicated to restoring the beauty and health of the Yamuna River since 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DdMEt0Jx78  (13 April 2025) दिल्ली के ऑक्सीजन मैन पंकज कुमार अर्थ वॉरियर ने यमुना सफाई के लिए पूरा अभियान चला रखा है। https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnsKUz30tgk  (11 April 2025)

यमुना नागरिक परिषद (सिटीज़न कौंसिल फॉर यमुना) यमुना की सफाई व आसपास के क्षेत्र का सौंदर्यीकरण कर पाने में विफल रहने पर सम्बंधित विभागों के अधिकारियों को शीघ्र ही कारण बताओ नोटिस (शो कॉज नोटिस) भेजेगी। साथ ही इस कार्य में देरी और लापरवाही करने के लिए संबंधित विभागों के अधिकारियों के ख़िलाफ़ कड़ी कार्रवाई करने की माँग करेगी। https://www.mcdlivenews.com/2025/04/blog-post_27.html  (27 April 2025)

Froth re-surfaces in river “The frothing problem in the Yamuna appears to have become a perennial issue, largely due to the deficit monsoon in the river’s upper basin last year and the lack of rainfall during the winter and pre-monsoon seasons this year,” said an environmental activist Bhim Singh Rawat (of SANDRP.) “Untreated effluents continue to enter the Yamuna, not just from drains in Delhi but also from major discharge points in Haryana like the Dhanaura escape in Karnal, Drain No. 2 in Panipat, and the Najafgarh drain,” he said. https://indianexpress.com/article/delhi/yamuna-river-froth-kalindi-kunj-9951573/; https://www.dailypioneer.com/2025/state-editions/toxic-foam-engulfs-yamuna-river–again.html; https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2025/04/18/des57-dl-yamuna-froth.html  (18 April 2025)

Is it even possible to clean Yamuna? This video investigates why Yamuna is still so dirty, despite over ₹7,000 crore spent on cleaning it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrES113wBnw (19 Apr 2025)

Effluents in drains failing standards: DPCC An analysis by DPCC shows that in March all 19 major drains in the city that discharge into the Yamuna have failed to meet the required standards of water cleanliness and health. The condition of the drains has worsened since the last assessment in Jan. Officials pointed out that the drains were not supposed to carry effluents or treated water as these are stormwater drains. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/drains-carrying-effluents-into-yamuna-failing-standards-dpcc/articleshow/120259645.cms  (13 April 2025)

Industrial effluents rise in March The Yamuna’s pollution indicators for March reveal an increase in industrial effluents, with COD, BOD and phosphate concentrations off the charts though dilution reduced faecal content since Feb. The DPCC assessment showed that the water quality readings were much higher than in March last year. A Delhi govt official claimed that water was released from the Wazirabad barrage around 20 times in Feb and March, explaining the reduction in faecal coliform count. “Whenever the holding capacity of the Wazirabad pond is exceeded, the excess is released into the river,” said an official. The DPCC drew samples from Yamuna on March 5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/industrial-effluents-rise-in-yamuna-in-march-this-year/articleshow/120137044.cms  (10 April 2025)

564 MLD wastewater plant in Okhla ready The Okhla STP project, a joint venture between the NMCG and the DJB began in 2017. Since June 2024, around 40 MLD of treated water from this facility is being used across various parts of Delhi for horticulture. The govt, in a statement, said: “The plant generates 4.8 megawatts of green energy from sludge biogas, which fulfills around 50 per cent of its total energy requirements.” The govt said the plant will also be helpful in cleaning the Yamuna as the treated water from the plant will be discharged back into the river. Around 132 MLD of sewage waste from the Barapullah and Maharani Bagh drains will also be treated in this plant before being released into the Yamuna, significantly reducing the flow of untreated sewage, it added. “Currently, the treated water is being discharged into the Old Agra Canal. Soon, it will be diverted into the Yamuna downstream of the Okhla Barrage via the Abul Fazal drain. Construction work is on for this,” it said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/okhlas-wastewater-treatment-plant-is-ready-for-use/articleshow/120135896.cms  (10 April 2025)

7 men clean Barapullah Drain with bare hands Minutes before CM Rekha Gupta, LG Vinai Kumar Saxena and I&FC Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh inspected the Barapullah Drain near Soochna Bhawan, Lodhi Road, on Thursday (April 10), at least seven men were cleaning the drain manually, without any protective gear. Carrying steel buckets and pans in their hands, the men waded into ankle-deep black muck to clean the drain, which falls under the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/7-men-clean-barapullah-drain-with-their-bare-hands-before-delhi-cm-l-g-inspection-9937562/  (11 April 2025)

Sonipat 113 Barhi units put on notice over effluent treatment violations The HSPCB has issued show-cause notices to 113 industrial units in HSIIDC Barhi, directing them to submit structural adequacy reports for their primary effluent treatment plants (PETPs). The reports must be prepared and vetted by government technical institutions approved by the CPCB and submitted within seven days. The action follows directions from the NGT in response to a petition filed by Delhi-based environmentalist Varun Gulati. Gulati had alleged that several units in the Barhi industrial area were flouting pollution control norms, and that the CETP installed there was not being properly maintained. He claimed that untreated industrial effluents were being discharged into Drain No. 6, which eventually flows into the Yamuna, thereby polluting the river. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/113-barhi-units-put-on-notice-over-effluent-treatment-violations/  (03 May 2025)

Barhi CETPs fail tests again; HSIIDC fined Rs 2.5 cr In a recurring environmental lapse, both CETPs at the Barhi industrial area have once again failed to meet pollution control standards. Recent laboratory tests confirmed that all critical parameters of the treated effluent exceeded the permissible limits, raising serious concerns about unchecked industrial pollution entering the Yamuna river system. The HSPCB reported that industries in the Barhi zone were bypassing the treatment plants by discharging untreated effluent directly into storm water drains. These drains eventually feed into Drain No. 6, which empties into the Yamuna.

Barhi’s industrial hub, which houses over 900 units, is equipped with two CETPs — one with a 16 MLD capacity and the other with 10 MLD. However, both facilities have consistently failed environmental tests for the past three years. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/barhi-effluent-treatment-plants-fail-tests-again-hsiidc-fined-2-5-cr/  (25 April 2025)

Panipat Illegal units, untreated sewage poison Yamuna: HSPCB Water samples collected from Panipat’s Drain No. 2 at Khojkipur — where the drain merges with the Yamuna — have failed multiple laboratory tests, revealing severe pollution levels.

Panipat has a combined STP capacity of 168.5 MLD, while the city generates around 100 MLD of sewage. Of this, only 78 MLD is treated; the remaining 21 MLD (2.10 crore litres) is discharged directly into Drain No. 1 and Drain No. 2, according to the HSPCB official. Environmentalists attribute this pollution to illegal practices. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/illegal-units-untreated-sewage-poison-yamuna-in-panipat-pollution-board/  (21 April 2025)

Mathura How persistent pollution in Yamuna river has ruined traditional floodplain crops of melons. https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/mathura/story-yamuna-pollution-destroys-mont-watermelon-and-melon-farming-201746565280686.html  (07 May 2025)

YAMUNA FISH, FISHERFOLKS

Uttarakhand 2 new catfish species discovered in Ganges River The two new species were uncovered while examining specimens after a routine biodiversity survey conducted by researchers, V. Balaji and Gaurav Shinde. One species has been named Glyptothorax bhurainu, from the Garhwali word bhurainu, in reference to the brown live colouration of this species, and the other has been named Glyptothorax himalaicus, in reference to the mighty Himalayan mountains. 

A third species, Glyptothorax dakpathari, originally described from the Dakpathar Barrage near Dehradun in 1976, has also been redescribed in this study after being found to be a valid species. The researchers speculate that these species may have remained undetected for so long due to their cryptic colouration and elusive habitat preferences, dwelling primarily under rocks and pebbles in swiftly flowing hill streams. https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/two-new-catfish-species-discovered-in-ganges-river-23510125  (21 March 2025)

MINING IN YAMUNA RIVERS

SANDRP Interview Advocate Waryam Singh: मशीनी खनन से हो रही यमुना बर्बाद मशीनी रेत खनन हर लिहाज से नदी, पर्यावरण और ग्रामीणों के लिए बहुत नुकसानदायक है। आज रेत खनन कार्यों से नदी और लोगों को हो रहे अधिकाशं दुष्प्रभावों की जड़ में मशीनी खनन है। इसलिए आज मशीनी रेत खनन पर तुरंत प्रभाव से पाबंदी लगाना बहुत आवश्यक है। https://tinyurl.com/3uuadbtr  (20 April 2025)

Yamuna Nagar Yamuna faces mining onslaught  The Yamuna, once a lifeline for Yamunanagar district, is now under severe threat as rampant illegal mining tears through its ecosystem, jeopardising agriculture, biodiversity, and the lives of communities that depend on it. Driven by soaring demand for sand and gravel in construction, unregulated extraction has turned the riverbed into a site of unchecked exploitation. Heavy machinery digs deep into the Yamuna’s banks, altering its natural course, eroding sediment, and clouding the water with pollutants that smother aquatic habitats.

Despite existing regulations, enforcement remains feeble. “Mining agencies are operating outside allotted areas, blocking natural water flow, and carrying out illegal mining at night, which is banned,” said Advocate Waryam Singh, a petitioner in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “This violates rules, endangers aquatic life, and continues with the connivance of corrupt officials who support the illegal mining mafia for personal gain.” https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/yamuna-faces-mining-onslaught/  (07 May 2025)

रादौर: गांव जठलाना में दोस्तों के साथ यमुना नदी में नहाने गए एक युवक की यमुना नदी में एक गहरे कुंड में डूबने से एक 15 वर्षीय बच्चे की मौत हो गई। गांव जठलाना का यह युवक (May 04) यमुना नदी में नहाने के लिए घर निकला था। जब वह यमुना नदी के अंदर दोस्तों के साथ नहाने के लिए गया तो *यमुना नदी के अंदर खनन के लिए पोपलेन मशीनों द्वारा खोद गए गहरे कूंड मे गिर जाने से युवक कीं डूबने से मौत हो गई।* आसपास के लोगों व गोताखोरों की मदद से बच्चे के शव को बाहर निकाला गया। https://m.haryana.punjabkesari.in/haryana/news/15-year-old-boy-who-went-to-bathe-in-yamuna-die-2147589  (07 May 2025)

Drivers overturn trucks ‘in bid to kill accompanying cops’ Drivers of four trucks loaded with illegally mined sand from Gumthala village allegedly overturned their trucks in the fields in Kandrauli village of Yamunanagar district early morning on Apr 8. They did so in an attempt to kill the policemen who had caught the trucks and were sitting inside those vehicles to take those to the weighbridge, says the FIR in the case. But before the trucks overturned, all four drivers managed to jump outside. A Home Guards jawan, Ashok, got stuck in a truck and sustained injuries. All four trucks were allegedly transporting sand illegally without e-transit passes. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/caught-with-illegal-sand-drivers-overturn-trucks-in-bid-to-kill-accompanying-cops/  (09 April 2025)

Karnal NGT forms joint panel to probe illegal sand mining  The NGT has formed a joint panel to investigate the ground reality following a complaint regarding the disruption of the flow of the Yamuna through illegal sand mining on the Haryana-Uttar Pradesh border in Karnal district. The panel has to submit its report within eight weeks.

Pradeep Dahiya, a resident of Sonepat, filed a complaint with the NGT in March, claiming that M/S Chaudhary Transport Company was indulging in illegal mining. He alleged that as per the terms, the company was provided only one entry and one exit for the mining project area, but it had made four entries and exit points. Dahiya further claimed that the river flow had been affected, and a criminal case had been registered against the company by Gangoh police of Saharanpur district, UP, on March 30. The FIR was registered against the company after an inspection was conducted by the Mining and Revenue Departments of UP on March 29.

The committee in its report said the company conducted illegal sand mining from a total area of 7,414 sq metres within the river’s course. The depth of the excavation was found to be about 2 metres, leading to the illegal extraction of 14,828 cubic metres of sand. The joint committee said the lease owners (mining company) and other people illegally extracted and transported sand, thereby earning profits and causing revenue loss to the UP Government. The NGT has fixed July 31 as the next date of hearing. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ngt-forms-joint-panel-to-probe-illegal-sand-mining-in-yamuna/  (13 April 2025) Asked about the case, an HSPCB official said that the state govt auctioned 8 mining blocks in Karnal, including the one in Chandraon, in 2023. “We carried out a public hearing also for environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for the excavation of sand in the mining block. The project received clearances (in Jan 2024). We will follow the NGT order. We haven’t received it yet,” the official said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/illegal-mining-choking-yamuna-probe-ordered/articleshow/120215694.cms  (12 April 2025)

Ghaziabad Sand mining rampant off Yamuna, but on Delhi’s side: DM District magistrate Deepak Meena on April 16 has submitted a report at the NGT, listing measures the administration has taken to tackle sand mining along the Yamuna. The report — filed in response to the NGT’s suo-motu action on a TOI article — agreed that there were violations, but more on the Delhi side of the river. In response, the NGT on Thursday (April 17) asked the North Delhi district magistrate to submit a detailed reply by April 21. The case, initially heard by two separate NGT benches, has now been consolidated. The tribunal’s coram, led by chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, will hear the matter on April 22. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/sand-mining-rampant-off-yamuna-but-on-delhis-side-ghaziabad-dm/articleshow/120390826.cms  (18 April 2025)

Shamli कैराना में एक दर्दनाक घटना सामने आई है। नगलाराई गांव के पांच भाई-बहन यमुना नदी पार करते समय डूब गए। ग्रामीणों ने चार को बचा लिया, लेकिन 14 वर्षीय सादमा अभी भी लापता है। घटना रविवार (April 20) शाम 4 से 5 बजे के बीच की है। हाशिम के पांचों बच्चे – जावेद (20), फारूक (25), परवीन (16), माईला (17) और सादमा (14) यमुना पार अपनी खरबूजे और तरबूज की प्लेज की देखभाल के लिए जा रहे थे। नदी में पानी सिर्फ 3 फीट था, लेकिन अवैध रेत खनन के कारण बने गहरे गड्ढों में वे फंस गए। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/shamli/news/5-siblings-drowned-in-yamuna-in-shamli-134878686.html  (21 April 2025) ग्रामीणाें ने बताया कि 10 महीने पहले पानीपत निवासी तीन दोस्तों प्रिंस, विकास और शिवा की भी यमुना में डूबने से मौत हुई गई थी। इसके बाद भी कोई कार्रवाई नहीं हुई। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/five-siblings-drowned-in-yamuna-four-were-rescued-shamli-news-c-26-1-sal1002-140593-2025-04-21  (21 April 2025)

बागपत नैथला गांव के यमुना खादर में रविवार (April 13) रात को रेत खनन को लेकर बवाल हो गया। जहां खनन करके ट्रैक्टर-ट्राॅली में रेत लेकर जाते हुए सरूरपुर गांव के प्रमोद व नैथला के मजदूर राजेंद्र पर हमला कर दिया गया और उसके बाद प्रमोद को गोली मार दी गई। परिजनों ने दोनों को जिला अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया, जहां से प्रमोद को मेरठ के लिए रेफर कर दिया गया। हमलावर हरियाणा और नैथला गांव के बताए जा रहे हैं। पुलिस मामले में जांच में जुटी हुई हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/baghpat/chaos-over-illegal-sand-mining-in-naithla-yamuna-khadar-one-shot-dead-baghpat-news-c-28-1-smrt1010-129745-2025-04-14  (14 April 2025)

बाँदा मे इस वक्त लगभग 15 मौरम खण्ड संचालित है। इनमे से मौरम निकासी करते परिवहन / ओवरलोड ट्रक, डंफर आदि को 200 रुपया तहबाजारी रसीद का देना होता है। इसके लिए बाकायदा गांव के एंट्री क्षेत्र मे बैरियर लगता है। वहीं तहबाजारी वसूली वाले इत्मीनान से यह काम करते है। लेकिन 200 रुपया निर्धारित शुल्क की जगह बाँदा मे 400 रुपया वसूली की गई। ज़िला पंचायत अध्यक्ष व सदर विधायक की आपसी तनातनी मे यह विवाद ऐसा उलझा कि आज तक राजनैतिक रार है। https://soochanasansar.in/the-contract-for-tehbazari-is-rs-200-but-rs-400-is-collected-the-roads-of-the-district-banda-rural-village-are-bad/  (02 May 2025)

बाँदा थाना मटौंध क्षेत्र के ग्राम मरौली खंड 5 मे बीते रविवार (April 20) को चट-चटगन निवासी रमैया किसान की 7 वर्षीय बेटी मौरम खदान के गड्ढे मे डूब गई है। जानकारी मुताबिक बेटी खेलते वक्त उक्त पानी भरे बड़े गड्ढे मे गिरी जिससे उसकी मौत हो गई। आनन फानन मे परिजनों ने जिला अस्पताल दिखाया लेकिन तब तक डाक्टर ने मृत घोषित कर दिया। https://soochanasansar.in/innocent-girl-khushboo-drowned-to-death-in-a-pit-of-a-gravel-sand-mining-gram-marauli/  (21 April 2025)

खनिज अधिकारी राज रंजन ने 29 मार्च की जांच पर लीपापोती कर दी है। उधर 9 अप्रैल को खदान पहुंचे थे एसडीएम पैलानी और सदर सीओ जिन्होंने मौके पर अवैध खनन देखा लेकिन पोकलैंड छोड़ दी। वहीं खनिज अधिकारी बाँदा के लिए मानों यह अवैध खनन का महाकुंभ 2025 है, तो सब केन की लाल मौरम-बालू जिसे लाल सोना भी कहते है मे आकंठ डुबकी लगा रहें है। https://soochanasansar.in/bandas-reality-of-illegal-mining-mining-of-cane-from-village-sandi-to-sadikamdanpur-charka-to-marka-maroli-to-girwan-bloody-battle/  (17 April 2025) सोशल मीडिया मे एक वीडियो वायरल है। यह सूचना संसार के व्हाट्सएप ग्रुप और अन्यत्र जेडीयू नेत्री शालनी सिंह पटेल ने डाला है। उधर अमर उजाला ने भी आज ‘एसडीएम ने पकड़े लोडर अभद्रता कर छुड़ा ले गए’ शीर्षक से खबर लिखी है। जिसमें नरैनी विधायक श्रीमती ओममणि वर्मा के सम्मानित पतिदेव जी पर ओवरलोड लोडर छुड़ाने का जिक्र है। https://soochanasansar.in/maharaj-ji-mla-patidev-has-started-getting-the-overloaded-loaders-released-contractors-have-started-singing-auspicious-songs-in-the-mines-of-banda/  (19 April 2025)

बाँदा जांच कार्यवाही से बचने के लिए लाल बालू के लुटेरों ने वैध पट्टे की आड़ मे सरकार को राजस्व क्षति दी। वहीं किसानों की ज़मीन से मौरम निकासी की गई। 3 मीटर से ज्यादा गहराई का मानक ताक पर रखकर मनमानी से अवैध खनन किया गया है। साक्ष्य मिटाने को 10 पोकलैंड लगाकर आनन फानन मे तालाब जैसे बड़े गड्ढो को भरा गया। मौके पर शिकायत कर्ता ऊषा निषाद ने वीडियोग्राफी करके खुलासा कर दिया। यह सबकुछ सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल हुआ व सूचना संसार ने प्रसारित किया था। उधर ऊषा निषाद ने जानकारी के लिए आला अफसरों को व्हाट्सएप पर भेजा था। https://soochanasansar.in/banda-dm-j-reebha-took-action-on-moram-block-sandi-77-contractor-himanshu-meenas-disciple-azhar-is-tensed-dm-formed-investigation-team/  (29 March 2025) – बीते 29 मार्च को जिलाधिकारी के द्वारा इस खंड की जांच के बाद मिले निर्देश ताक पर है। वहीं सरकारी प्रेस विज्ञप्ति पर उक्त कृत्य के संबंध मे नोटिस प्रचलन की बात अभी तक धरातल पर मुकम्मल नही है। – खदान संचालक तमाम जांच और जुर्माना कार्यवाही को ठेंगा दिखाकर ग्राम सभा व किसानों की ज़मीन से खनन करता है। – एसडीएम पैलानी ने 9 अप्रैल को जांच की लेकिन मौके पर खनन करती मिली पोकलैंड सीज नही हुई। गहराई देखकर हतप्रभ हुए एसडीएम साहब !!! https://soochanasansar.in/on-wednesday-april-9-sdm-palani-and-co-sadar-inspected-the-spot-at-moram-block-sandi-77-in-the-evening-but-the-pokland-was-not-seized (10 Apr 2025)

Uttarakhand विकासनगर विधायक मुन्ना सिंह चौहान ने Apr 27 को दोपहर बाद रास्ते में खुद खनन से ओवरलोड ट्रैक्टर ट्रॉली पकड़ी. विधायक चौहान ने थाना पुलिस और कोतवाल को फोन किया. विधायक चौहान के मानें तो कोतवाल ने अपना फोन किसी अन्य व्यक्ति को दे रखा था, जिससे उनकी कोतवाल से बात नहीं हो पाई. इसके बाद करीब 35 मिनट बाद चीता पुलिस मौके पर पहुंची तो विधायक चौहान गुस्से से लाल हो गए और मौके पर ही चीता पुलिसकर्मियों को जमकर खरी खोटी सुना दी. विधायक ने पुलिस कर्मियों से ये तक कह दिया कि, ‘क्यों नहीं आते हो, सबसे मंथली लेते हो क्या?’ https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/dehradun-ssp-suspended-3-police-personnel-including-in-charge-of-bazaar-chowki-for-negligence-uttarakhand-news-uts25042704628  (27 April 2025)

Bhind पत्रकारों को चप्पलों से पीटा, अब दे रहे हैं धमकी विश्व प्रेस स्वतंत्रता दिवस पर एमपी पुलिस ने पत्रकारों के साथ जमकर मारपीट की है। भिंड एसपी के चैंबर में पत्रकारों को सिर्फ इसलिए पीटा गया क्योंकि उन्होंने पुलिस के खिलाफ अवैध रेत खनन और वसूली की खबरें प्रकाशित की थीं। इस घटना के बाद से पत्रकारों में डर का माहौल है। कई पत्रकारों ने तो भिंड जिला ही छोड़ दिया है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/madhya-pradesh/bhind/bhind-sp-got-angry-for-writing-news-against-police-called-journalists-in-his-chamber-and-beat-them-with-slippers/articleshow/120854544.cms  (03 May 2025)

Haryana 6 officials charge sheeted over mining After being in the denial mode for months, Haryana has finally accepted illegal mining in its territory at Rawa village of Nuh on the Rajathan border since 2011 and chargesheeted six mining officials. Though the area fell under Haryana’s revenue jurisdiction, leaseholders from Rajasthan were carrying out illegal mining here. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/6-hry-officials-chargesheeted-over-mining-along-raj-border/  (07 May 2025)

No mining in Aravallis till Aug 7, NGT tells govt The NGT has issued a show-cause notice to Haryana govt and the MoEF for allegedly allowing mining on ‘protected’ forest area in the Aravallis. The tribunal also directed the state govt to ensure no mining or stone crushing-related activity was carried out in the area till August 7. An NGT bench headed by chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava issued the notice on a plea filed by residents of Rajawas, a village located in the Aravallis in Mahendergarh district. The bench has asked the petitioners to explain within four weeks how 25 per cent of the protected forest land was auctioned to stone crushing units. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/no-mining-in-aravallis-till-aug-7-ngt-tells-haryana/  (10 April 2025) Meanwhile, experts question how a public hearing for mining in the area was scheduled when Haryana has not applied for FCA. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/ngt-curbs-must-to-prevent-illegal-mining-in-aravali-land-protected-under-nicobar-swap/articleshow/120137046.cms  (10 April 2025) The auction is linked to the establishment of a large infrastructure project that is causing significant forest loss on Nicobar Island, with compensation planned by designating 24,535 hectares of land as forest in Haryana’s Aravalli range. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/10/how-forest-land-diverted-for-mining-in-aravallis-asks-ngt  (10 April 2025)

नूंह खनन माफियाओं का पीछा कर रहे पुलिस कर्मचारियों के सामने चलते हुए डंपर के ड्राइवर ने बीच रोड पर ही पत्थरों को खाली कर पुलिस का रास्ता रोक दिया. ये वीडियो फिरोजपुर झिरका के गांव घाटा बसई का है. वीडियो में साफ तौर पर देखा जा रहा है कि वहां एक नहीं बल्कि 6 डंपर खड़े थे. सभी पत्थरों से भरे हुए थे. हैरानी की बात यह है कि नूंह में इतनी बड़ी घटना हुई, जिसकी जानकारी पुलिस को नहीं है. हालांकि चार दिन पहले नूंह जिला उपायुक्त विश्राम कुमार मीणा ने खनन की शिकायत पर पहाड़ों का निरीक्षण किया था. इसके बाद ही यह घटना सामने आई है. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/terror-of-mining-mafia-in-nuh-policemen-attacked-with-stones-watch-video-haryana-news-hrs25032905285 (29 Mar 2025)

“बुंदेलखंड के पहाड़ों पर खनन कारोबार की विनाशलीला ढाई दशक पुरानी कारगुजारियों का फलसफा है। विंध्याचल पट्टी क्षेत्र वीर महोबा के लगभग 300 पहाड़ों को खनन माफिया खत्म कर चुके है। यहां का कारोबार मध्यप्रदेश के छतरपुर क्षेत्र मे सिमट गया है। लेकिन चित्रकूट मंडल के बाँदा का गिरवां क्षेत्र भी पहाड़ों की वीरानी का गवाह बनता जा रहा है। वहीं चित्रकूट मे भरतकूप का गोंडा तो अक्सर ही अवैध खनन की विभीषिका झेलता है।” (आशीष सागर दीक्षित, बाँदा) https://soochanasansar.in/illegal-mining-spread-from-the-black-stone-grenait-of-district-banda-rural-village-jarar-in-girwan-and-bharatkup-chitrakoot-village-gonda-stone-mininig-of-bundelakhnd-region/  (28 April 2025)

Rajasthan A marble mirage of snow and ice -Laxmi Kant Sharma, head of the Department of Environmental Science at the Central University of Rajasthan, who headed the study, says the toxic contamination of water sources in the vicinity is reflected in total dissolved solid escalating 10 times above safe limits in a six-km radius of the dumping site. This has had a severe impact on crop yield. Besides, 25% of the surveyed population of 100 have lung-related ailments, and a significant number of marble industry workers have reported throat problems.

-Research scholar Basant Bijarniya says since the waste particles are smaller than 75 micro-metres, they could spread far and wide, making the soil infertile. “The environmental impact will be felt in the long-term. Several people may be suffering from silicosis, which is not confirmed yet. The government needs to take immediate action to prevent the situation from getting out of hand,” he says. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a-marble-mirage-of-snow-and-ice-in-rajasthan/article69428253.ece  (12 April 2025)

जिस पर 7 मामले उसे ही दे दीं अवैध खनन में जब्त मशीनें एक तरफ सरकार अवैध खनन के खिलाफ लगातार एक्शन ले रही है, हाईकोर्ट तो सीबीआई को सीआरपीएफ की मदद तक लेने को कह चुका है, वहीं दूसरी तरफ खनन विभाग कैसे काम कर रहा है, इसका उदाहरण डीग के नांगल जोन में दिखा। अवैध खनन में कार्रवाई करते हुए एक फोरमैन ने वहां जब्त की हुई महंगी मशीनें ऐसे व्यक्ति की सुपुर्दगी में दे दी, जिसके खिलाफ अवैध खनन की 7 एफआईआर दर्ज हो चुकी हैं और खनन विभाग ही 13 करोड़ रुपए से ज्यादा की पैनल्टी लगा चुका है।  https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/bharatpur/news/the-one-who-has-7-cases-against-him-and-a-penalty-of-rs-13-crore-was-given-the-machines-seized-in-illegal-mining-134736086.html  (29 March 2025)

YAMUNA WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Noida Water flows into Dhanauri after a month Environmental conservationist Vikrant Tongad has filed a complaint with the forest dept and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority seeking immediate govt intervention to restore the wetland. “What we need is a formal memorandum of understanding between relevant depts to ensure regular water supply and official notification of Dhanauri as a protected wetland under Indian environmental laws. If the Mou is not signed, such an issue will arise again,” he said.

On Oct 13, 2023, Arya had moved NGT to get the wetland declared as a Ramsar site. He argued that Dhanauri was a natural and vibrant wetland, hosted 217 bird species, and had been recognised as an important birding area by Bird Life International, fulfilling all the criteria a Ramsar tag. Akash Vashishtha, the lawyer presenting Arya in NGT, said that the Union environment ministry had sought a proposal from the state to declare Dhanauri a Ramsar site. “Meanwhile, the state has to declare the site as a bird sanctuary/wetland,” he said. The matter is listed for hearing in NGT again on May 5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/water-flows-into-dhanauri-after-a-month-lush-wetland-has-gone-brown/articleshowprint/120802342.cms  (02 May 2025)

Water diversion from Dhanauri wetland for airport Thousands of birds are at risk as Dhanauri wetland, a crucial habitat for migratory birds and the state bird of Uttar Pradesh, the Sarus crane, faces a severe water shortage. Activists alleged that the cause of the crisis is the diversion of a canal that previously supplied water to the wetland. The water supply disruption has been ongoing for almost a month, they alleged.

The Gautam Budh Nagar forest department, however, has stepped in to mitigate the situation. It has created an artificial pond within the wetland to ensure the birds do not face a water scarcity. Department officials assured that the water issue will soon be resolved, with the divisional officer of the forest department stating that the disruption occurred after the Upper Ganga Canal’s Dadri-Kalaunda water channel was cut off due to the airport’s construction at Jewar. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/activists-cry-foul-over-water-diversion-from-dhanauri-wetland-for-airport-101745779653174.html  (28 April 2025)

Bhopal Fish found dead in Lower lake Fish were found dead in Khatlapura Ghat (Lower Lake), Shahpura Lake, Munshi Hussain Khan Talab etc. Dead fish were also spotted in Lower Lake, one of two lakes in Bhoj wetland a Ramsar site. MPPCB prima facie attributes it to increasing temperature which reduces dissolved oxygen which is one of the major causes of death of fish in water bodies. However, MPPCB assures for testing water sample to know other factors of deaths like pollution or chemicals. https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/fish-found-dead-in-lower-lake-a-designated-wetland-of-international-repute  (19 April 2025)

Gurugram Illegal structures constructed close to Ramsar Site Sultanpur National Park is facing a threat from illegal construction within its eco-sensitive zone, with the wildlife department having identified 11 violations this month and 14 violations in March. Despite its 5km no-construction buffer intended to protect its ecological sanctity, numerous farmhouses, banquet halls and other buildings have emerged within just a km of the national park — a renowned birdwatching destination and Ramsar site since 2021.

The violations follow a troubling pattern, with 32 incidents having been reported in Dec last year and 78 earlier by a committee formed by NBWL. So, the overall violations stand at 135. Despite these findings, department of town and country planning (DTCP)  has yet to take action against the violators. Wildlife officials warn these illegal constructions not only contribute to pollution but also heighten the risk of human-animal conflict. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/buildings-encroach-bird-haven-green-buffer-shrinks-in-gurgaon-farmhouses-banquet-halls-among-illegal-structures-constructed-close-to-ramsar-site/articleshow/120463121.cms  (21 April 2025)

Delhi Pond turns concrete dumpyard Despite the allocation of Rs 50 cr for the revival of the capital’s water bodies, the depletion and misuse of these bodies remain as rampant as ever. In Naraina village, residents say that a local pond has been systematically destroyed over more than a decade through unchecked construction activities, with full complicity and negligence of authorities. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/May/09/pond-turns-concrete-dumpyard  (09 May 2025)

Govt starts Naini lake revamp -The project was announced in June 2022 as a part of the Amrit Sarovar Mission of the Union government, under which 21 waterbodies in the city were to be rejuvenated. The mission was scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2023, but work on Naini lake never started. A total of ₹10 crore was allocated for revamp of Naini lake.

-An MCD official said they will look into the delay, but a large number of projects have been delayed over the last two years due to non-formation of standing committee, which is a key panel whose permission is required for projects above the financial implication of ₹5 crore.

The consultancy will be responsible for developing the infrastructure to carry treated wastewater from Coronation Pillar Sewage Treatment Plant near Mukundpur metro depot to Model Town. Besides, the firm will also design a mechanism to provide water for irrigating parks in the region using the lake water, thereby reducing the groundwater consumption. Currently, the waterbody is fed by the ground water using borewells. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/2-years-after-approval-mcd-invites-bids-for-naini-lake-s-revamp-101744569325182.html (14 Apr 2025)

Is unchecked urban expansion impacting our food security? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEqSocB3AIs  (13 April 2025)

YAMUNA URBAN WATER

Delhi Illegal borewell boom running on empty According to an affidavit submitted by the DJB to the NGT last month, 22,010 illegal borewells have been identified across the city. Of these, 13,693 have been sealed. The NGT, too, is hearing multiple petitions concerning illegal borewell operations in the capital. According to experts, this incident is only a surface-level indicator — the actual scale of the problem runs far deeper and threatens Delhi’s groundwater sustainability. Proceedings before the NGT have revealed enforcement gaps. The DPCC has imposed environmental damage compensation (EDC) of ₹70.93 crore on violators. However, only ₹79.70 lakh has been recovered so far. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhis-illegal-borewell-boom-running-on-empty/article69469292.ece  (20 April 2025)

Water crisis hits everyone The water crisis has inadvertently led to a thriving parallel economy across Delhi. As scarcity deepens, multiple private tankers and water providers have moved in to profit from the suffering of residents. An employee of Neelkanth Water Tanker Supplier, based in Hauz Khas, said the demand had been much higher than last year during April. Suppliers providing individual water drums have also seen a significant rise in sales. Shivam Rajput, a Karol Bagh resident, runs a private business from his home. A similar situation persists in Ghazipur, East Delhi, where residents buy water from local shopowners running private supply stations with RO purifiers. However, officials at the DJB Chief Executive Officer’s office admitted that the deficit is not being prioritised. https://thepatriot.in/delhi-ncr/water-crisis-hits-everyone-in-delhi-except-the-private-players-69328  (05 May 2025)

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta on Sunday (April 20) flagged off 1,111 tankers fitted with a location tracking system to boost water supply in the city during the summer. The system will enable the tankers’ location to be tracked on an IT dashboard from the Delhi Jal Board headquarters. https://www.moneycontrol.com/city/delhi-cm-flags-off-1-100-tankers-fitted-with-location-tracking-system-to-boost-summer-water-supply-article-12998781.html  (20 April 2025)

Gurugram Water shortage hits 500 families in Sushant Lok With soaring temperatures, tempers are rising as the 500 families living in Sushant Lok-1 have been left without adequate water supply for the past month. The colony, which was taken over by MCG in 2019, continues to suffer due to decades-old infrastructure which is now on the verge of collapse.

According to residents, boosting stations, underground and overhead tanks, tube wells, motors, and pipelines were laid over 25 years ago and are beyond repair. Frequent breakdowns have led to erratic water supply, they added. Residents also flagged misuse of potable water. Over 100 construction sites in the area are allegedly drawing potable water illegally, putting additional pressure on the already crumbling supply system, they complained. The RWA representatives on Friday met the MCG mayor Rajrani Malhotra and officials seeking immediate action on the matter. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/infrastructure-crumbles-water-shortage-hits-500-families-in-gurgaons-sushant-lok/articleshow/120215734.cms  (12 April 2025)

MCG ‘lied’ about drain for leachate control at Bandhwari: Plea in NGT The objection was made after MCG on Tuesday (April 15) submitted a report to the tribunal, which has been hearing a long-drawn case on clearing the landfill site in Bandhwari. According to the report, approximately 200 KLD of leachate is produced at the Bandhwari site in a day, and volume goes up during the rainy season. This leachate is transported to a STP in Behrampur, Gurgaon, it noted. Asked about the petitioner’s allegation, an MCG official said: “There is no leachate generation at this time. We are taking every step to ensure that leachate doesn’t spill.” The tribunal will take up the case next on Aug 14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/mcg-lied-about-drain-for-leachate-control-at-bandhwari-plea-in-ngt/articleshow/120320816.cms  (16 April 2025)

Untreated waste dumped despite crores paid Experts estimate that the vendor allegedly saved at least ₹4–5 crore by avoiding scientific processing. Another neighbour said that it felt like the village was slowly dying. “The water started tasting strange, metallic, and we were afraid to drink it. Our fields, which used to give us life, wouldn’t yield anything. And people, especially the children, were constantly sick – fevers, rashes, breathing problems,” said Meena Devi, a 45-year-old farmer from Pali.

Residents in Gwal Pahari and Mangar villages, adjacent to the landfill site, report declining crop yields, contaminated groundwater, and increasing health problems. “We have started seeing skin allergies and stomach infections in children more frequently. The groundwater smells different now. This landfill is slowly destroying our lives,” said Kamla Devi, a resident of Mangar village. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/untreated-waste-dumped-near-gurugram-despite-crores-paid-101744252276179.html  (10 April 2025)

Residents complain about untreated sewage Deputy Commissioner on Thursday (April 24) ordered an inspection after residents of Astaire Garden in Gurugram Sector 70A complained to him that their neighbouring housing societies are continuously discharging untreated sewage water into an open vacant plot next to their society. According to administrative guidelines, the sewage is supposed to be discharged into the designated Berhampur STP. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/gurugram-dc-orders-probe-after-residents-complain-about-untreated-sewage-101745520600495.html  (25 April 2025)

Noida Ajnara Homes fined ₹25 lakh penalty for ‘negligence’ Following reports of over 500 residents of Ajnara Homes in Greater Noida West Sector 16B falling sick over the past three to four days, allegedly after consuming contaminated drinking water supplied to flats, the Greater Noida authority on Wednesday (April 09) imposed a penalty of ₹25 lakh on the builder for its alleged negligence in maintaining the water tanks and other related utilities, officials said. According to a notice issued by the authority’s water department, the inspection carried out on April 7, revealed ”poor maintenance” of the underground and overhead water tanks at the society. http://hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/contaminated-water-ajnara-homes-fined-25-lakh-penalty-for-negligence-101744225685310.html  (10 April 2025) The health department set up a camp at Ajnara Homes, where 200 residents complained of stomach-ache and vomiting and showed other symptoms of diarrhoea, possibly from water contamination. According to officials, the tanks were last cleaned in Sept 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/cleaning-of-water-tanks-begins-at-noida-society-where-200-residents-fell-ill/articleshow/120138096.cms  (10 April 2025)

YMUNA RURAL WATER

Madhya Pradesh -उमरिया जिले के पाली ब्लाक अंतर्गत ग्राम पंचायत मलियागुड़ा के ग्रामीण भीषण गर्मी मेें पानी के लिए संघर्ष कर रहे हैं। इसका कारण नल जल योजना का कार्य अधूरा होना है। कुछ दिन पूर्व तक ठेकेदार ने जितने स्थानों में कनेक्शन किया है वहां भी कुछ दिन पानी चला लेकिन लगभग पंद्रह दिनों से पानी आना बंद हो गया है। बताया जा रहा है कि ठेकेदार ने जल्दी जल्दी पानी की टंकी निर्माण करवाते हुए आसपास के क्षेत्र में कनेक्शन देकर इतिश्री कर ली, जबकि कई बस्तियों में अभी तक या तो काम अधूरा पड़ा है या कनेक्शन ही नहीं दिए गए हैंं। https://www.patrika.com/umaria-news/tap-water-scheme-contractor-left-the-work-midway-villagers-are-troubled-by-water-crisis-19526144 (12 April 2025)

MONSOON IN YAMUNA BASIN

Delhi  IMD again fails to gauge intensity -With 17mm more logged in the next three hours till 8.30am, the 24-hour rainfall of 77mm was not just the second-highest for May since 1901, it was also the wettest day in the capital in over eight months since 77.1mm was recorded on Aug 29, 2024, during the monsoon season. “We had forecast the rain spell in the region a few days in advance but we couldn’t predict the intensity of the storm that struck Delhi-NCR on Friday (May 02) morning,” admitted IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-ncr-rain-why-weatherman-failed-to-predict-intensity-of-storm/articleshowprint/120839380.cms  (03 May 2025)-Until Friday (May 02), Safdarjung had only logged 10.2mm of rain since January 1, making this deluge an anomaly. With just this single event, Delhi surpassed its average monthly rainfall for May, which typically stands at 30.7mm. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/premonsoon-time-to-blame-imd-after-mild-warning-fails-in-delhi-101746210055307.html  (03 May 2025) As the rain, the second-highest single-day May rainfall in Delhi since 1901, swept through the city, it also brought down large branches, damaged vehicles, power lines and public infrastructure, and led to the loss of four lives. This isn’t even the first time that Delhi’s neighbourhoods and busy roads witnessed trees falling at such a large scale. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-storm-trees-collapsed-why-9981470/  (04 May 2025) City’s second-heaviest May rainfall in 124 years. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/unpredicted-storms-leave-5-dead-in-delhi-101746211498963.html  (03 May 2025) With data from Mungeshpur not being released through May, all of northwest Delhi is unlikely to be represented in temperature measurements; the Narela AWS, around 10km from Mungeshpur, has also been inoperational since Feb 2025. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/imd-revives-infamous-weather-station-but-won-t-release-data-101746037397111.html  (30 April 2025)

Haryana 31% rain deficit  The state received 6.6mm of rainfall in April, which is 31% below the normal average of 9.5mm for the month. This marks the second consecutive month with below-normal rainfall during the crucial pre-monsoon season, raising concerns about water availability across the state. Last year, rainfall in April was 4mm, while in 2023, it was 14.5mm. The Gurugram city, this year, has received 2.7mm rainfall, 65% below the normal 7.7mm.

In contrast, some districts such as Mahendragarh and Jind recorded above-normal rainfall, receiving 129% and 87% more precipitation than usual, respectively, Haryana’s April rainfall has shown considerable variability over the past 26 years. The highest recorded rainfall was in 2015, with 34.9mm, which was 374% above normal, while years like 2002 saw extreme drought conditions with just 1.1mm, representing an 84.7% deficit.

-The top five districts in Haryana with the highest rainfall deficits were Faridabad, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Jhajjar and Gurgaon, IMD data says. Faridabad experienced the most significant shortfall, receiving only 0.9mm of rainfall, which is 93% below the normal 11.6 mm. Ambala followed with 3.9mm, 74% below the normal 15.2mm. Kurukshetra recorded 2.7mm, 73% below the normal 9.9mm. Jhajjar saw 2.4mm of rainfall, 67% below the normal 7.2mm. Lastly, the city received 2.7mm, 65% below the normal 7.7 mm. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/pre-monsoon-blues-gurgaon-faces-65-rain-deficit-haryana-31/articleshowprint/120776383.cms  (01 May 2025)

URBAN FLOODS

Delhi Govt implements wireless base camps to combat flooding To better tackle flooding along the Yamuna and major city drains, Delhi govt will set up wireless base camps equipped with modern communication tools for real-time coordination during the monsoon season. Officials said the latest communication equipment will be installed, and trained personnel will operate these camps to ensure smooth interaction among field officials and with the Integrated Command and Control Centre. ‘We will get I waterproof equipment of military standard with an optional facility of video transmission. The vendor will also provide 24×7 online technical support during the deployment of the equipment and the operators,’ said a senior official. https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/urban-infrastructure/delhi-govt-implements-wireless-base-camps-to-combat-flooding-in-yamuna-and-city-drains/120982827 (8 May 2025)

Drain Desilting Work Lagging Behind -Last year, large parts of the Capital were waterlogged, largely owing to a lack of adequate desilting work. All drains in Delhi were eventually handed over to the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department to reduce the multiplicity of agencies in the desilting exercise. However, I&FC in March this year expressed concerns over desilting the covered portions of Kushak and Sunehripul drains. A month prior, the NGT said it was crucial to undertake desilting on time to avoid waterlogging. The initial deadline set to desilt all drains in Delhi, set by the I&FC is May 31, which is likely to be missed too. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/south-delhi-faces-waterlogging-threat-as-drain-cleaning-remains-behind-schedule-101746710837265.html   (09 May 2025)

Summer rain spell puts monsoon prep in focus With torrential rainfall last Friday leaving several areas of the Capital grappling with waterlogging and inundation, residents questioned the early desilting work being carried out by agencies and alleged that the process was being carried out “selectively”. According to the MCD data, work is going on at a slow pace, with less than 25% of the target under the first phase achieved from Jan till Apr 25. The deadline of May 31 is less than a month away. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhis-summer-rain-spell-puts-monsoon-prep-in-focus-101746383051326.html (5 May 2025)

Gurugram Locals flag inaction despite data on waterlogging hotspots With the monsoon season looming over Gurugram, members of the citizen-led initiative Making Model Gurugram (MMG) have expressed their dismay over the civic administration’s failure to act on detailed data that they had provided on the city’s chronic waterlogging hotspots, they said. Despite public statements from officials acknowledging waterlogging as a recurring challenge, MMG members insist that no ground-level consultation or action has been undertaken. MMG members now urge authorities to shift to a proactive, citizen-inclusive planning—warning that without institutional accountability, Gurugram’s flood-prone streets may once again be submerged in chaos this monsoon. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/ggm-locals-flag-inaction-despite-data-on-waterlogging-hotspots-101746470932520.html  (06 May 2025)

3 hours of rain leaves city in mayhem Despite multiple agencies sanctioning nearly Rs 100 crore over four years and over 50 review meetings, Gurugram’s stormwater drains have not been cleaned since 2023. As a result, an intense spell of rain left large parts of the city waterlogged on Friday (May 02). An early morning thunderstorm brought around 200 mm of rainfall in three hours, overwhelming city infrastructure and exposing civic bodies’ claims of monsoon preparedness. Residents woke up to flooded streets and waterlogged residential areas. Reports indicate that clogged or encroached stormwater drains were primarily to blame. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/three-hours-of-rain-leaves-gurugram-in-mayhem/  (03 May 2025) Amidst the Friday (May 02) downpour in Gurgaon, some positive developments were witnessed in the areas through which Aravalli Creek passes. Over three years of creek restoration in an ecological manner by the NGO ‘I am Gurgaon’ (IAG) has borne fruit. The efforts ensured proper cleaning and revitalisation of the stormwater channels at Chakkarpur-Wazirabad, Sikanderpur Pahadi, Badshahpur Forest corridor and Ghata Bundh, apart from the Aravalli creeks in Sectors 42, 43 Sectors 55, 56, and 57. Throughout Friday, the stormwater collected at these areas was seamlessly diverted off the roads and residential areas, and eventually went towards recharging the groundwater table. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/gurgaon-creek-restoration-water-rains-9981628/  (04 May 2025) At least 20 critical waterlogging hotspots were identified during the inspection. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/after-rain-chaos-minister-out-to-map-areas-prone-to-floods-in-gurgaon/articleshow/120858469.cms  (04 May 2025)

Ghaziabad FIR against developer -The Uttar Pradesh Avas Vikas Parishad (UP Housing and Development Board) has lodged an FIR against the developer of Prateek Grand, a luxury residential complex in Siddharth Vihar, after a breach in a municipal drain—allegedly triggered by negligent construction by the high-rise developer—caused severe flooding in the basements of occupied towers on Friday (May 02). https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ghaziabad-fir-against-high-rise-developer-after-digging-work-causes-city-drain-to-breach-101746471287521.html   (06 May 2025) The breached drain, with an estimated capacity of 30 MLD, carries stormwater from Vijay Nagar and Pratap Vihar through Siddharth Vihar before merging into the Hindon River. Officials said multiple agencies, including the municipal corporation and UP Avas Vikas Parishad (housing board), are working on “war-footing” to plug the breach — a process expected to take another one or two days. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/drain-breach-floods-ghaziabad-highrise-dozens-of-vehicles-submerged-101746294403023.html  (04 May 2025) The excavation, officials said also damaged a 100-metre boundary wall of Pratap Vihar water treatment plant. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/builder-digs-for-basement-damages-drain-ghaziabad-condo-flooded/articleshowprint/120834104.cms?val=3728 (3 May 2025)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Interview ‘Himalayas & monsoons, creating the Indus 50 million years ago’ FASCINATING glimpses of evolution of Indus River and Himalayas from 66 million years ago to today, including story of Harappans, the Ghaggar bank communities, how Yamuna was earlier joining Sutlej and Beas some thousand years ago and how the synergy between monsoon, tectonics and mountains shaped this evolution. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshowprint/120839615.cms (3 May 2025)

ICIMOD Ganga basin hits 23-year low in snow persistence Snow persistence in the Ganga basin this year has been 24.1% below normal, the lowest in past 23 years. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/21/ganga-brahmaputra-basins-hit-23-year-low-in-snow-persistence-data  (21 April 2025) In light of these findings, the report urges swift action: improved water management, stronger drought preparedness, better early warning systems, and greater regional cooperation. It emphasises that long-term resilience will depend on adopting science-led, forward-looking policies, and investing in seasonal water storage, efficient use of meltwater, and integrated water management strategies. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/snow-persistence-in-brahmaputra-and-ganga-basins-showing-alarming-decline-at-vicennial-lowest-in-indus-basin-icimod-report (21 Apr 2025)

RELEVANT REPORTS 

Book Review Submerged Worlds & Amazing Stories of India’s Mighty Rivers The book revisits the struggles of the dammed rivers and drowned communities, highlighting the injustices they have endured for decades. It prompts us to question why we continue to overlook more viable alternatives, especially when most dams have entirely failed to achieve their intended goals. https://sandrp.in/2025/04/28/book-review-submerged-worlds-amazing-stories-of-indias-mighty-rivers/  (28 April 2025)

Report Can urban India turn the tide on its water crisis? “A river’s health depends largely on how quickly rainwater flows into it from its catchment area. The slower the flow, the better the river’s condition; rapid runoff, on the other hand, leads to poor river health. Forests, wetlands, local water bodies, and carbon-rich agricultural fields help absorb and gradually release rainwater, supporting year-round river flow and protecting against both floods and droughts,” says Himanshu Thakkar, Coordinator of SANDRP.

Thakkar says there’s no real policy for urban water management. Instead of optimally using local sources like rainwater, ponds, or rivers, cities rely on long-distance transfers, according to him. “We have smart city projects, but there is no definition of a water-smart city. The city should be able to manage and use its local water resources optimally.” Thakkar recalled that during his time on the working group for the 12th Five Year Plan (2012–17), it was recommended that cities should only be allowed to draw water from external sources if they could first demonstrate optimal use of all local water resources. https://carboncopy.info/from-waste-to-resource-can-urban-india-turn-the-tide-on-its-water-crisis/  (30 April 2025) How sewage can be used to make drinking water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=witvB1XLWXI  (05 May 2025)

National rankings for sewage treatment In March this year, the Bengaluru city was awarded ₹103 crore under the Jal Hi Amrit initiative for its effective sewage treatment. Of the 30 STPs evaluated in Bengaluru, 23 received a 5-star rating, six a 4-star rating, and one a 3-star rating. Surat, Gujarat’s Diamond City, topped the national rankings and was awarded ₹104.75 crore, with 19 out of 20 STPs rated 5 stars and one with 4 stars.

-While MoHUA did not disclose a complete ranking of states or cities, the agency confirmed that 250+ field assessors evaluated the STPs, and ₹400 crore was disbursed as incentives in the last fiscal. The ministry also highlighted the training of over 3,400 officials and 30 capacity-building sessions. A Water Resource Recovery Cell (WRRC) has been set up at the state level for ongoing monitoring and enhancing reuse and biosolids management.

-Despite these successes, MoHUA has not shared a city- or state-wise ranking list, nor released other macro-level insights. On March 27, the government told the Lok Sabha that just 3,531.52 MLD—or 28%—of the 12,599.28 MLD of sewage treated under the AMRUT mission 1 and 2 was fit for reuse across India’s cities. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/froth-to-fame-bengaluru-surat-top-national-rankings-for-sewage-treatment-in-metros-101745173405362.html  (21 April 2025)

NMCG 2025 action plan to keep rivers healthy in cities Formulated under the River Cities Alliance (RCA) which was launched in 2021 aimed at rejuvenating urban rivers across India, the plan covers Agra, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, Dehradun, Haridwar, Patna, Ranchi, Howrah, Pune, Nashik, Chennai, Hyderabad, Udaipur, Bhubaneshwar, Surat, Thiruvunanthapuram and Visakhapatnam among others.

The national capital Delhi will be covered under the Urban River Management Plan (URMP) which is one of the key components of the RCA to guide sustainable, integrated, and actionable river rejuvenation efforts. “The URMP in Delhi will serve as a model for other metropolitan cities, anchoring the vision of resilient and river-sensitive urban development,” said an official note on the action plan. It said the initiative seeks to redefine Delhi’s river (Yamuna) as vital ecosystems and not just water channels, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive urban river management in alignment with national environmental priorities.

The list of 145 cities includes 14 from Uttarakhand, 25 from Uttar Pradesh, 20 from Bihar, 14 from Jharkhand, 32 from W Bengal & remaining 40 from the rest of India. Jointly spearheaded by the ministry of Jal Shakti and the ministry of housing and urban affairs, the action plan aims to integrate river-centric planning into the urban development agenda across India.

-The 2025 plan focuses on enhancing institutional capacities, fostering inter-city collaboration, and embedding river-sensitive thinking into city master plans. Preparation of River-Sensitive Master Planning (RSMP) is another component of the action plan. According to NMCG, five cities – Kanpur, Ayodhya, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Moradabad, and Bareilly – have already developed their URMPs, setting the benchmark for other urban centres. Twenty-five more URMPs will be prepared this year. It will be part of creating 60 such plans across India over the next two to three years in the first phase. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/nmcg-clears-2025-action-plan-to-keep-river-stretches-along-145-cities-healthy/articleshowprint/120635785.cms  (26 April 2025)

Report Delay in Ganga clean up In an affidavit submitted to the NGT, the Jal Shakti Ministry said that work related to the prevention of pollution in the Ganga was slow in Phase I due to poor quality of DPR, and acquisition of land to set up STP. Phase II of the Namami Gange Project will be operational till 2026. “As on February 2025, 494 projects (including one for sewage infrastructure) have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 40,478 crore. Of this, 308 projects have been completed and made operational,” the affidavit said. 208 projects have been taken up with a cost of 33,360 crore for creation and rehabilitation of 6,420 MLD of STP capacity. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/poor-project-reports-delaying-ganga-clean-up-says-ministry-2/  (10 April 2025)

Opinion Disappearing rivulets of India The rivulets and streams across the country, from the Himalayan ranges to southern India, have been reduced to drains or sewers due to rapid encroachment, urbanization, extension of the built environment and pollution. And, many times, the governments that should be the saviors end up as destroyers. A few examples of rivulets/ streams near Dehradun, a city located in the Doon Valley, a wide, long valley within the Siwalik Hills and the Lesser Himalayas, in Uttarakhand, provide us with a broad picture of the ‘rivulet crisis’ of India. (C P Rajendran) https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!opinion/disappearing-rivulets-of-india-the-need-for-action-enn25042102158  (22 April 2025)

Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)

Also see: Yamuna Manthan 10 April 2025 and Yamuna Manthan 06 March 2025

Follow us on: www.facebook.com/sandrp.in; https://twitter.com/Indian_Rivers     

In memory of Late Manoj Mishra, Convenor of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, SANDRP is publishing monthly Yamuna Manthan from Feb 2024. It’s a compilation of developments related to Yamuna River. This is 16^th such monthly report in the series, and we will try to release same updates in the first week of every month. The main purpose of the exercise is to monitor, document and research all the issues affecting the Yamuna rivers and riverine people so that all concerned may get updated information on ground realities of the river and its people. All are requested to read, share and give suggestions to improve it.