On May 22, 2025, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to address critical issues related to the cleaning of the Yamuna River, improving drinking water supply, and enhancing sewage systems in Delhi. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Shri Manohar Lal, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, and senior officials, emphasized a holistic approach to these challenges.
Yamuna: A Symbol of Faith and Priority
Commitment to Cleanliness
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that the Yamuna River is not merely a water body but a symbol of faith for millions. He reiterated that its cleanliness is a top priority for the Modi government. To achieve this, he directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). This SOP will establish standards for quality, maintenance, and discharge and will be shared with other states to ensure uniform best practices.
20-Year Vision for Delhi’s Infrastructure
Long-Term Planning
The Union Home Minister stressed that all plans related to the Yamuna, drinking water, and drainage systems in Delhi should be designed with a 20-year vision. This forward-looking approach ensures sustainable solutions that address future challenges. He highlighted the need for innovative and world-class technology for desilting drains to prevent blockages and improve sewage management.
Strengthening the Delhi Jal Board
Key Role in Yamuna Cleaning
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) plays a pivotal role in the Yamuna cleaning initiative. Shri Shah directed immediate action to fill vacant posts in the DJB to enhance its operational efficiency. Strengthening the Board is essential for implementing effective measures to clean the Yamuna and manage Delhi’s water resources.
Enhancing Water Distribution Efficiency
Preventing Leakages and Improving Supply
To ensure a reliable drinking water supply in Delhi, Shri Shah instructed the DJB to strengthen the water distribution structure and address pipeline leakages. Efficient water management is critical to meeting the city’s growing demands and ensuring equitable access to clean water for all residents.
Below is a summary of the key directives from the meeting:
| Directive | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Date | May 22, 2025 |
| Focus Areas | Yamuna Cleaning, Drinking Water Supply, Sewage Systems |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
| SOP for STPs | Develop standards for quality, maintenance, and discharge |
| Delhi Jal Board | Fill vacant posts, strengthen water distribution, prevent pipeline leakages |
| Planning Vision | 20-year perspective for sustainable solutions |
Why This Matters
Building a Sustainable Future
The directives issued by Shri Amit Shah reflect the government’s commitment to addressing critical environmental and infrastructural challenges in Delhi. By prioritizing the cleanliness of the Yamuna and improving water and sewage systems, the government aims to enhance the quality of life for Delhi’s residents. These measures also set a precedent for other states to adopt similar holistic and sustainable approaches to water management.
Key Highlights
- High-level meeting held on May 22, 2025, to address Yamuna cleaning and water management in Delhi.
- Shri Amit Shah emphasized the Yamuna as a symbol of faith and a priority for the Modi government.
- Ministry of Jal Shakti to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sewage Treatment Plants.
- Plans to be made with a 20-year vision for Yamuna, water supply, and drainage systems.
- Delhi Jal Board to be strengthened by filling vacant posts and improving water distribution efficiency.
- Use of world-class technology for desilting drains to enhance sewage management.