Hopeful Path Forward: Union Home Minister Chairs Crucial Yamuna Rejuvenation Meeting with Delhi CM

New Delhi, India – July 11, 2025 – In a significant stride towards environmental conservation and public health, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today chaired a high-level meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to intensify efforts for Yamuna Rejuvenation. The constructive dialogue, also attended by Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar (Housing and Urban Affairs) and C.R. Patil (Jal Shakti), along with senior officials from both the Central and Delhi governments, underscored a renewed commitment to restoring the ecological vitality of the Yamuna River. This collaborative initiative aims to tackle the multifaceted challenges of pollution, ensuring the river, a symbol of faith and life for millions, is returned to its pristine glory.

A Unified Vision for Yamuna Rejuvenation

The meeting, held in New Delhi, emphasized a holistic approach to the colossal task of Yamuna Rejuvenation. Union Home Minister Shah highlighted that the cleanliness of the Yamuna is a paramount priority for the Modi government, reiterating its cultural and spiritual significance beyond merely being a waterbody. He called for strategic, long-term planning, urging that all initiatives concerning the Yamuna, drinking water supply, and drainage systems in Delhi should be envisioned with a 20-year outlook. This long-term perspective is vital to ensure sustainable solutions and prevent future degradation of the river.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Technology for Yamuna Rejuvenation

A key directive from the meeting focused on bolstering the operational capabilities of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Recognizing its pivotal role in the Yamuna Rejuvenation process, Minister Shah instructed the immediate filling of vacant posts within the Board to enhance its efficiency and capacity. Furthermore, a strong emphasis was placed on developing a robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). This SOP will establish rigorous standards for their quality, maintenance, and discharge, with a recommendation for it to be shared with other states to foster a unified approach to sewage management across the nation.

The discussion also delved into the critical need for improving Delhi’s water distribution efficiency. Effective water management is essential to guarantee a reliable drinking water supply throughout the city. The Home Minister urged the DJB to reinforce the water distribution infrastructure and take urgent measures to curb pipeline leakages, which often lead to significant water loss. The adoption of world-class technology for desilting drains was also highlighted as an often-overlooked yet crucial component of urban water and waste management, directly contributing to Yamuna Rejuvenation efforts.

Delhi’s Proactive Steps in Yamuna Rejuvenation

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, earlier this year, announced a comprehensive plan backed by a substantial budget, aimed at enhancing the capital’s water infrastructure, upgrading sewerage networks, and significantly contributing to Yamuna Rejuvenation. This ambitious river rejuvenation effort involves the construction of new decentralized STPs and the modernization of existing ones, along with investments in advanced machinery to combat waste and pollution effectively. The Delhi government’s commitment to preventing untreated sewage from flowing into the Yamuna is a cornerstone of this plan, with measures to treat wastewater at the source before it enters major drains, thereby reducing pollution levels in the river.

Close monitoring of these initiatives is being personally undertaken by Chief Minister Gupta, with active involvement from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma, ensuring accountability and progress in the Yamuna Rejuvenation mission. The collaboration between the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi government agencies is set to include re-verification of drains and drone surveys for major drains, alongside continuous pollution monitoring at identified locations along the river.

The Path Ahead for Sustainable Yamuna Rejuvenation

While the challenges are immense, the high-level meeting serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating a concerted effort from the highest echelons of government. The focus on a holistic approach, long-term vision, technological advancement, and inter-governmental cooperation sets a promising trajectory for the Yamuna Rejuvenation project. The goal is not merely to clean the river but to ensure its sustainable health, thereby improving the environmental and public health of Delhi and beyond. The collective resolve to achieve a pollution-free Yamuna, providing clean water to the capital, marks a pivotal moment in India’s environmental stewardship.

Collaborative Progress: Key to Yamuna Rejuvenation

The synergy between the central and state governments is crucial for the success of this monumental task. Continuous dialogue and shared responsibility will accelerate the pace of Yamuna Rejuvenation, transforming aspirations into tangible results for the millions who depend on the river.

Technological Advancements for Yamuna Rejuvenation

Embracing cutting-edge technology, from advanced sewage treatment to innovative desilting methods, will be instrumental in overcoming the engineering and environmental hurdles inherent in large-scale Yamuna Rejuvenation projects.