13 CETPs in Delhi operate at 34% capacity, committee finds

The Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change examined the state of water pollution in the Delhi NCR region and the mitigation steps taken by various agencies. This matters to citizens as it addresses the quality of drinking water, sewage management, and public health risks associated with the Yamuna River and local groundwater.

The report concerns the Ministry/Department responsible for water resources and environment in Delhi NCR, as well as the general public, industrial units, and households in Delhi affected by water quality, sewage infrastructure, and health issues.

• Committee noted severe degradation in water quality in the Yamuna River between Palla, Wazirabad, and Shahdara Drain, recommending increased monitoring frequency and inclusion of Chemical Oxygen Demand parameters.
• Committee identified a lack of reliable data on wastewater generation and high distribution losses, recommending real-time automated monitoring and strengthening of the water supply network.
• Committee observed that a large portion of households lack connection to underground sewerage, leading to sewage dumping in open drains, and recommended formalizing desludging tankers and mandating reuse of treated wastewater.
• Committee found that 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in Delhi operate at only 34% capacity, indicating industrial wastewater is bypassing treatment, and recommended GIS-based mapping of industries and establishment of modular CETPs.
• Committee noted that 49 out of 189 Grossly Polluting Industries were uncompliant with treatment standards as of 2024, and recommended Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology with dedicated low-interest loans for industries unable to afford it.
• Committee recommended reconvening the Yamuna River Basin Board to decide on environmental flow for the lean season and revising water sharing agreement timelines from 30 years to 10 years.
• Committee recommended a complete ban on groundwater extraction within the Yamuna floodplain, strict penalties for encroachment and sand mining, and a targeted sludge removal plan with afforestation.
• Committee recommended creating a public dashboard for water quality and disease data, dedicated healthcare units for diarrhea treatment, and abolishing or lowering GST on water purifiers.

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