NEW DELHI: Committing to make it a "world-class river", Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra, along with other government agencies today conducted a fact-finding survey on Yamuna.
According to senior officials, in the Yamuna fact-finding survey, water quality was tested at numerous points by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) engineers and chemists on multiple parameters.
The team highlighted various issues including river-basin degradation, ecological pollution, contaminant effect on ecosystem and ecology. Officials also discussed the issue of solid and liquid waste pollution and encroachment on the Yamuna region.
The delegation led by Mishra consisted of senior bureaucrats and representatives of all agency stakeholders like DDA, DPCC, DSIDC and DJB who conducted the survey for three hours covering points from Wazirabad to ITO.
"It is important that we restore Yamuna to its true glory and position that she deserves. We have to think of this river and its various constituents holistically. For example, the Signature Bridge near Wazirabad and Loha Pul can be at par with the world's greatest bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge or the Golden Gate Bridge but until there is clean water flowing freely below the bridge, this will remain a pipe dream,"
Mishra, who also hold the charge of Delhi Jal Board Chairman said during the survey.
Mishra highlighted the water in Yamuna is currently being polluted by "21 major drains" and hundreds of smaller drains where untreated sewage and effluent are flowing without any control.
"The Najafgarh drain, which is the biggest polluter, needs immediate cleaning and our team at Delhi Jal Board has already started drafting a plan to clean this river. Our team at DJB has also collected various samples and performed water quality tests, which I will personally monitor."
"I make a personal commitment today that I will bathe in the Yamuna in 36 months. No stone will be left unturned in making Yamuna a truly world-class river," Mishra said.
Delegation also discussed opportunities of developing the riverfront, water management and tourism there in a holistic manner.