4 min readChandigarhMar 28, 2025 03:51 PM IST
First published on: Mar 28, 2025 at 03:51 PM IST
Haryana Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh said polluted water flows into the Yamuna from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana, which runs into the Gurgaon canal downstream of the Okhla barrage in the Capital.
Singh’s reply was tabled in the ongoing Budget Session of the Haryana Assembly in response to the question asked by Congress MLA (Nuh) Aftab Ahmed. Ahmed had asked the government to cite the steps that the government is taking to solve the problem of polluted canal water being released into the Gurgaon canal.
In his reply, Singh said, “Yamuna Action Plan is being implemented in this regard. The progress is reviewed by the Chief Secretary, Haryana, regularly. The Secretary, Jal Shakti, Government of India, also reviews the status of implementation of Yamuna Action Plans of various basin states. As per timelines given by various States under the Yamuna Action Plan, the pollution in the river Yamuna is likely to be addressed by December 2027. This will automatically address the pollution issue of Gurugram Canal”.
About Delhi’s role in river-water pollution, the minister added, “The NCT of Delhi has installed STPs of 3474 MLD capacity but generating sewage of 3600 MLD. Delhi has been generating sewage in excess of its installed capacity of STPs. The Government of NCT, Delhi, has submitted an Action Plan, which is being reviewed by the Central Monitoring Committee under Secretary, Jal Shakti, New Delhi regularly. As a result of such steps, the pollution level in terms of the yearly average value of BOD has come down from 32 milligram/litre in 2018 to 21 (mg/l) in December, 2024. The polluted effluent is affecting the water quality of canal water and in turn has adverse effect on flora and fauna”.
Citing the specific efforts made in Haryana so far, the minister stated, “1239 Million Liters per Day (MLD) sewage is generated in 34 towns having outfall in river Yamuna. 89 STPs of 1526 MLD capacity have been set up in this area. Out of 89 STPs, 65 STPs of 987 MLD have been constructed during the last 10 years. Three New Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) of 29 MLD capacity are being installed, and 13 old STPs of 150.6 MLD are being upgraded to meet stringent standards fixed by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board. The three Pond Systems have been set up with 84 MLD capacity in 211 villages and work of 6 MLD in 13 villages is under progress”.
“Sewage lines have been laid in all towns/ cities of the river Yamuna catchment, and balance sewage lines of 8 kilometre in one town (Faridabad) are being laid to carry untreated sewage to STPs. (iii). 17 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) of 184.5 MLD capacity have been installed to treat the industrial effluent for industries situated in Industrial Areas. Out of 17 CETPs, 10 CETPs of 98.5 MLD capacity have been constructed during the last 10 years. The industrial effluent from standalone industries is being treated by the industries themselves through their ETPs. 8 CETPs of capacity 146 MLD have been proposed”.
Elaborating on the action taken on defaulters or violators, the minister said the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) monitors these industries. “HSPCB has levied Environment Compensation of approximately Rs. 295 cr. on 974 industries/units during the years 2022 to 2025. HSPCB is conducting water sampling of the Gurugram Canal on a regular basis. The results of the analysis for the year 2023-24 show that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Gurugram Canal water has been in the range of 20 to 27 mg/l”.
Citing the specific efforts made in Haryana so far, Singh stated, “1239 Million Liters per Day (MLD) sewage is generated in 34 towns having outfall in river Yamuna." (Credit: @RaoNarbir) 
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