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CPCB report: Yamuna stretch in Delhi continues to be among most polluted

The CPCB has reviewed water quality data from 2022 and 2023, covering 2,116 locations across 32 states and Union Territories

2 min readNew DelhiSep 23, 2025 05:30 AM IST

The DPCC’s January and February 2026 reports show a sharp spike in Yamuna pollution, with faecal coliform levels peaking at 350,000 units/100 ml. (File Photo)

Even as the overall number of polluted river stretches have seen a slight dip, the stretch of Yamuna river in Delhi from Palla to Asgarpur village continues to be among the most polluted, as per a latest assessment report released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday.

This year, a total of 296 polluted river stretches were identified in the report. Of these, the report said, 37 river stretches were categorised under Priority 1, based on the indicator of organic pollution i.e. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). This is only a marginal dip from 46 river stretches, identified in the 2022 assessment report. A polluted river stretch is identified by its pollution load, if the BOD exceeds the limit — the ideal value being less than or equal to 3mg/L — in two or more locations in a continuous manner.

The CPCB has reviewed water quality data from 2022 and 2023, covering 2,116 locations across 32 states and Union Territories. Its last assessment was released in 2022 with data from 2019 and 2021, barring the pandemic year.

What do the reports indicate?

Over the years, as per the CPCB’s assessment reports, there has been a drop in the number of polluted river stretches — from 351 in 2018 to 311 in 2022 to 296 this year. The number of river stretches that have shifted from a higher priority class (most polluted) to lower priority class (lesser polluted) which would need the least intervention, have also increased. But, there has been no shift in Delhi’s position.

The CPCB, in the report also said, “Water quality of river in Delhi was monitored at 7 locations during the year 2022 and 2023, water quality is not meeting the criteria at any of the location.” Other states where river stretches were classified as Priority 1 include Amlakhadi river in Gujarat and Sabarmati in Gujarat as well as the Chambal river stretch from Nagda to Gandhisagar dam in Madhya Pradesh.

With the maximum BOD value observed between 2022 and 2023 being 83 mg/l, as per the report, the Yamuna river stretch in Delhi showed at least 27 times higher BOD levels than permitted.

Palla, Wazirabad, ISBT Bridge, ITO Bridge, Nizamuddin, Okhla after meeting Shahdara drain and Asgarpur village were the monitoring locations in Delhi.

Sophiya Mathew

Sophiya Mathew is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. She joined the Delhi bureau in 2024, and has specialization in Integrated Multimedia Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Professional Background Core Beats: Her reporting is primarily focused on the Environment and Education. Specialization: She has gained recognition for her ground-level reporting on the Yamuna floodplains and the socio-economic challenges faced by those living on its banks. She also focuses on the disparities in Delhi's education system, ranging from elite private schools to government institutions and refugee education. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent work has been heavily centered on Delhi's severe winter pollution crisis and the government's regulatory responses: 1. The Air Pollution Crisis "A tale of two cities: Delhi govt schools choke in bad air, private classrooms set up air filters" (Dec 20, 2025): A high-impact feature contrasting the "Clean Air Bubbles" in elite schools with the reality of government school students who are exposed to an equivalent of 17 cigarettes a day due to outdoor exposure. "Delhi sees season's worst air day, second worst December AQI in nearly a decade" (Dec 15, 2025): An analytical report on the meteorological patterns trapping pollutants in the NCR. "Delhi bans non-BS VI vehicles from outside: Why curbing vehicular pollution is key" (Dec 17, 2025): Explaining the science behind targeting specific vehicle vintages to lower particulate matter. 2. Enforcement & Regulations "No fuel at pumps in Delhi without valid PUC certificate from December 18" (Dec 17, 2025): Breaking the news on the environment ministry's strict "No PUC, No Fuel" policy. 3. Education Policy "Law to regulate school fee in Delhi risks becoming procedural, say parents" (Dec 13, 2025): Investigating the loopholes in the new Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Bill, 2025. "Monsoon Session: Private school fee regulation Bill cleared after four-hour debate" (Aug 9, 2025): Covering the legislative passage of the controversial fee hike regulation. Signature Style Sophiya is known for her observational depth. Her reporting often includes vivid details from school corridors, hospital waitlists, or the banks of the Yamuna to illustrate how policy failures affect the city's most vulnerable residents. She is a frequent expert guest on the 3 Things podcast, where she explains the complexities of Delhi’s environmental laws. X (Twitter): @SophiyaMathew1 ... Read More

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