Respected Sirs, Oct 26, 2025
1. Shri Pravesh Sahib Singh,
Hon’ble Water Minister,
Delhi Government.
pss-pwd.minister@delhi.gov.in; dspwddelhi@gmail.com
2. Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh,
Hon’ble Minister Health & Family Welfare,
Delhi Government.
3. Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa
Hon’ble Environment Minister,
Delhi Government.
4. Hon’ble Chief Executive Officer,
Delhi Jal Board
5. Hon’ble Member Secretary,
Delhi Pollution Control Committee.
6. Hon’ble Special Secretary,
Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
7. Hon’ble Member Secretary,
Central Pollution Control Board
Subject: Regarding Water Polluting Activities Around WYC in Bawana, Delhi
On October 25, 2025, during a visit to Western Yamuna Canal (WYC), stretch at Bawana in North West Delhi, I have found number of very serious water polluting activities going on unchecked which require your kind attention and remedial measures on urgent basis as the same has potential to contaminate the water supply and cause grave health issues to the dependent citizens. Please also see revealing pictures with GPS locations showing the alarming and prevailing situation there along with the letter.
Sirs, as you are aware that the both canals of WYC Munak and Carrier Line Channel (CLC) carry potable water supply to Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi.
However, at Bawana the canal is crossed by three roads with small bridges and both sides of each bridge have a convenient point of disposing all sort of discarded worship materials. This disposal is clearly defiling and contaminating the water flowing in the canals.
Additionally, the solid waste dumping and segregation is taking place in close proximity of Munak canal towards JJ cluster. A lot of solid waste is inadvertently entering into the canal there.
The burning of electric wire is happening right on the edge and slope of the Munak Canal and the residual part mostly black, burnt ash is finding its way into the canal.
At many places along CLC signs of industrial waste disposal and burning are quite visible.
For cultural and recreational activities people in large numbers are taking bath and washing closths in the canal using shops, shampoos and disposing all sort of solid waste including plastic, soiled clothes on the bank of the Munak Canal.
The problem of open defecation in this area is quite worrying as the banks of both canals is strewn with fresh human excreta at number of places and at few places right inside the canal. People can be seen relieving themselves along the canals.
Cattle are also visible bathing inside the CLC. Plaster along the CLC is also seen in damaged condition which might result in breach if left unattended.
Both the canals are carrying water hyacinth in huge amount suggesting some unaddressed sources of water pollution upstream the location.
Sirs, the issue is of utmost public importance with potential adverse impacts on the functioning of WTP and health of the dependent population. I fear, this could be situation at many places along the in Delhi and upstream areas.
I urge you kindly take appropriate and immediate actions to protect the potable water supply from contamination being caused by above mentioned activities and safeguard the health of the people of Delhi.
For long term measures, Delhi government may consider patrolling by civil defense members, home guards to sensitize and discourage people from disposing any sort of waste materials in and along the canals.
Installing CCTVs lightening arrangements are required to prevent solid waste collection, segregation, bathing, washing clothes, open defecation along the canals.
Creating iron mess barricading on both sides of bridges and creation of waste collection facility away from the canal can also help as a preventing measure and ensuring proper solid waste disposal practice among the people. Govt may also think of creating a religious leftover collection centre in the area.
Establishing police check point to prevent burning of electrical and industrial waste may also be helpful.
I hope and believe you will understand the gravity of the matter and initiate remedial steps on urgent basis.
Thanking You!
Yours Sincerely,
Bhim Singh Rawat,
Associate Coordinator,
South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People (SANDRP)
SANDRP 