River cleanup: STPs’ capacity up by 100MGD, claims DJB

New Delhi: Combining inter-state cooperation, infrastructure expansion and new treatment projects, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has intensified efforts to clean the Yamuna and strengthen wastewater management in the city.According to its latest annual report, under the Yamuna rejuvenation and sewage management programme, DJB has expanded sewage treatment capacity to reduce untreated sewage flowing into the Yamuna. It has also planned multiple projects in 2026, including decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs), new sewer networks, pumping stations and household connections in long-unsewered areas.
Over the past year, Delhi's installed sewage treatment capacity increased from 707 million gallons per day to 814MGD. In addition, 28 sewage treatment plants were upgraded to meet stricter 10:10 standards for biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids. The 60MGD plants at Keshopur and Nilothi are also expected to improve wastewater quality in the Yamuna and its connected drains.However, no response was available from govt to TOI's queries on the continued frothing in the Yamuna.DJB has also deployed advanced mechanised equipment, including super sucker machines and water-recycling desilting units, to strengthen maintenance and improve worker safety.On the consumer side, the late payment surcharge waiver scheme offers domestic users a 100% waiver on surcharges if the principal dues are cleared, benefiting around 3.5 million households.The next phase focuses on expanding sewer infrastructure in areas lacking proper networks. Proposed projects include DSTPs and sewer systems in villages and unauthorised colonies. Notable projects include a 1.5MGD DSTP in Bijwasanfor 50,000 residents, DSTPs in Bawana villages for 90,000 people and a sewage pumping station at Bajitpur Thakran serving 1.5 lakh residents. Other planned works cover Mundka, Narela and south Delhi, including house service connections in Sangam Vihar and Wazirabad.DJB has also coordinated with international agencies, continuing engagement with Japan International Cooperation Agency for water supply improvement and Asian Development Bank for the Wazirabad project. It has strengthened ties with Union government and basin states for the Renukaji-Lakhwar-Kishau dam projects in the upper Yamuna basin to augment Delhi's water supply.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !