Amit Shah chairs high-level meeting on Yamuna clean-up and Delhi water infrastructure

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Thursday to address the long-standing issues of pollution in the Yamuna River and the challenges facing Delhi’s water infrastructure. The meeting focused on formulating strategies for cleaning the Yamuna, ensuring a reliable drinking water supply, and upgrading the capital’s sewage and drainage systems.

Addressing the meeting, Shah underscored the cultural and spiritual significance of the river, describing it not merely as a waterbody but as a “symbol of faith.” He reiterated the Modi government’s commitment to restoring the river’s sanctity and ecological balance.

The home minister directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), focusing on consistent standards for quality, maintenance, and discharge. He also suggested that the SOP be shared with other states to promote a unified approach to sewage management across the country.

Emphasizing the need for forward-looking governance, Shah called for all planning related to the Yamuna, drinking water, and drainage in Delhi to be guided by a 20-year vision. He identified the Delhi Jal Board as a critical player in the clean-up effort and directed that all vacant posts within the organization be filled without delay to enhance its operational capacity.

The home minister also highlighted the pressing need to improve Delhi’s water distribution efficiency, noting that proper water management is vital to ensure a reliable drinking water supply for all residents. He instructed the Delhi Jal Board to prioritize modernizing the water distribution network and to take urgent steps to prevent pipeline leakages.

Furthermore, the home minister called for the use of world-class technology in desilting the city’s drains—an often overlooked but essential part of urban water and waste management.