High Ammonia level in the river Yamuna forces DJB to shut down Wazirabad and Chandrawal WTPs
The abnormal rise in the pollutants/ammonia level at Wazirabad Pond has resulted in a complete halt in production of 220 MGD of potable water supply from the Wazirabad and Chandrawal Water Treatment Plants of the Delhi Jal Board. The raw water supply from the river Yamuna has been badly affected due to the release of industrial pollutants coming from the Sonepat and Panipat drains. Today, the ammonia level has touched an all time high of 2.6 mgl against the limit of 0.2 mgl, forcing DJB to completely shut down two of its Water Treatment Plants, catering to the needs of a large population of the city.
This is for the first time that the Water Treatment Plants have been completely shut down . Almost one third of the population of Delhi residing in the Walled city, Central, South, North parts of Delhi and the NDMC areas are badly affected. The officials of DJB have raised the issue of untreated discharge of industrial waste in the river Yamuna, repeatedly, however, no concrete measures have been taken by the Haryana state to keep a check on the rising level of pollutants in the Yamuna supply to the Wazirabad pond.
In a meeting which was held about two years back at the level of the Chief Ministers’ of Delhi and Haryana, where the Union Minister of Environment & Forest, GOI was also present, it was assured by Haryana that it would take long term measures to manage pollution entering from the Panipat drain into the river Yamuna. But unfortunately, despite repeated persuasion by DJB, nothing has been done.
Looking at the seriousness of the matter, if necessary steps are not taken immediately, the people in the National Capital may have to face acute shortage of water in the coming days. Therefore, in the larger public interest, the matter is being pursued with the neighboring state, to restore normal conditions. In order to meet the situation, water for drinking purposes is being supplied in the affected areas through the tanker services. In case of emergency, people are advised to contact their nearest Zonal Offices for assistance or they may call Toll Free Number-1916. Normal production shall be restored at both the plants as soon as the pollution level recedes.
