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According to the statement, ammonia concentrations exceeding 5.0 ppm have reduced water production at the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant by 25-50 per cent.
The Yamuna River in Delhi has high ammonia levels primarily due to industrial discharge and untreated sewage entering the river.
Here are the key reasons:
1. Discharge of Untreated Industrial Waste from Haryana
- Industries in Haryana, particularly those in the Panipat and Sonipat regions, release untreated or partially treated industrial effluents containing ammonia into the Yamuna. Ammonia is a byproduct of industries like chemicals, textiles, and fertilizers.
- Delhi has accused the Haryana government of failing to regulate these discharges, which flow downstream into Delhi’s stretch of the river.
2. Delhi’s Own Sewage and Poor Treatment
- Untreated sewage from Delhi’s urban areas flows into the Yamuna. About 50% of Delhi’s sewage remains untreated due to inadequate infrastructure, overloaded sewage treatment plants (STPs), or dysfunctional facilities.
- Ammonia levels spike further when sewage mixes with industrial waste.
3. Dilution Problem Due to Low River Flow
- During dry seasons, the Yamuna’s flow reduces significantly, leaving little water to dilute pollutants. This concentrates ammonia levels, making the river more toxic.
4. Haryana’s Role in Water Release
- Delhi relies on Haryana to release fresh water into the Yamuna (via the *Munak Canal*) to maintain flow. However, during disputes or shortages, Haryana often reduces water supply, worsening Delhi’s pollution crisis.
- Delhi’s government, led by CM Arvind Kejriwal, has repeatedly accused Haryana of releasing polluted water into the river, which Haryana denies.
5. Ineffective Monitoring and Interstate Blame Game
- Both states blame each other for the pollution. Delhi claims Haryana’s industries are the primary source, while Haryana argues Delhi fails to treat its own sewage.
- Weak enforcement of pollution control norms by regulatory bodies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) exacerbates the issue.