The cleaning of the Yamuna River in Delhi has resumed under the direction of Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena. His office has announced a four-tier strategy aimed at not only purifying the river’s water but also monitoring sewage treatment plants and nearby drains. Large-scale machinery has already been deployed in the river to begin the cleaning process. However, questions have arisen regarding the urgency of this initiative, especially since a new Delhi government is set to take office soon.
A History of Delays and Challenges
Yamuna’s cleanup efforts have often faced procedural roadblocks. While the focus should be on cleaning the river, debates frequently arise about whether the correct processes are being followed. Notably, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had ordered the cleaning of Yamuna in 2023, but the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government challenged the process in the Supreme Court, leading to the dissolution of the NGT-appointed committee and halting the cleaning efforts. Now, with LG Saxena resuming the initiative, skepticism has resurfaced about the motivations behind the move.
Three-Year Four-Tier Strategy for Cleaning Yamuna
The LG’s office has outlined a three-year plan to clean Yamuna, involving multiple agencies such as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Environment Department, the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). These agencies will be monitored on a weekly basis. The four-tier strategy includes:
- Removing waste, debris, and sludge from the Yamuna River, along with cleaning key drains like Najafgarh and Supplementary Drains.
- Ensuring thorough cleaning of major drains, including Najafgarh and Supplementary Drains.
- Daily monitoring of the efficiency and output of existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
- Constructing new STPs and Decentralized Sewage Treatment Plants (DSTPs) with a structured timeline to address the 400 MGD sewage treatment shortfall.
Why the Urgency from LG Saxena?
A key question being raised is why LG VK Saxena is expediting Yamuna’s cleaning at this moment. However, his proactive approach should be seen positively. The LG has been actively involved in Yamuna’s cleanup efforts since 2023 when the NGT formed a five-member committee and appointed him as its chairman. Significant progress had been made, including the deployment of large-scale cleaning machinery. In November 2023, on the occasion of Chhath Puja, Saxena tweeted about how the cleaning process was yielding results before the Delhi government intervened and sought modifications to NGT’s orders in the Supreme Court, effectively halting the efforts.
In July 2023, the Supreme Court placed a stay on NGT’s directive, which had appointed the LG as the head of the cleanup committee. This political intervention likely left LG Saxena determined to complete the project within his tenure.
Could This Initiative Have Started Earlier?
Critics have pointed out that the machinery for Yamuna’s cleaning could have been deployed earlier. However, this needs to be viewed in the context of Delhi’s political landscape. In 2023, the AAP government challenged the NGT’s orders in the Supreme Court, possibly to prevent credit for the cleanup from going to the LG. The AAP government argued that the NGT’s directive was unconstitutional and undermined the authority of the elected Delhi government by appointing an unelected official to lead the initiative. This legal battle delayed the cleanup for months.
Is LG Saxena Fulfilling an Election Promise?
From Sunday onwards, advanced cleaning equipment, including trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredge utility crafts, have been deployed in the Yamuna. On Saturday, LG Saxena met with key officials, directing them to expedite the work. Some have questioned his statement that he is fulfilling a promise. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to clean the Yamuna during the Delhi Assembly elections. Since the work has begun even before the formation of a new government, questioning its timing seems unreasonable.
It is crucial to recognize that the LG represents the central government. If the Prime Minister makes a public commitment to a project, and the LG acts upon it, there should be no opposition. Moreover, recent legislative changes have given the LG overriding authority over the elected Delhi government. Even if a BJP government is formed in Delhi, the LG’s powers will remain supreme. Therefore, opposing his initiative based on procedural technicalities is neither legally nor practically justified.
Conclusion
The renewed push to clean the Yamuna River should be welcomed, as it aligns with both environmental needs and prior commitments. While political debates persist, the focus should remain on ensuring that this initiative succeeds for the benefit of Delhi’s residents. If executed effectively, this project has the potential to transform Yamuna’s condition and provide a much-needed boost to the city’s environmental health.
