Ammonia level in Yamuna goes up, water supply to be disrupted in parts of Delhi today

30-12-2020

With the rise in ammonia level in Yamuna, the water supply to north, central and south Delhi is likely to be disrupted on Wednesday. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has blamed Haryana for releasing industrial effluents into the river Yamuna "despite repeated reminders". AAP leader and Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman Raghav Chadha has asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to look into the water pollution issue and strictly deal with Haryana's "irresponsible behaviour", according to a reports. Meanwhile, Haryana has argued that it has increased the vigilance and conducting inspections of all industrial units. Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) member secretary, S Narayanan, contended that no major violation has been reported so far from industrial units. Narayanan said they have discussed their position with DJB and the CPCB. The impact of rising pollution in Yamuna has been frequently affecting the water supply to Delhi. On Monday and Tuesday, the ammonia level spiked to 7.3 parts per million (ppm) at the Wazirabad pond area. This is the pond from where Delhi Jal Board withdraws water for supply. When the ammonia level increases in Yamuna, the water production at DJB's three out of nine water treatment plants at Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla is either stopped or reduced thereby affecting the water supply to parts of the national capital. DJB vice-chairman Raghav Chadha has argued that Delhi currently receives 'much less' water than the share it deserves. Delhi blames Haryana for Yamuna pollution as the state hosts a number of industrial units using ammonia for various purposes. The chemical is used in the making of fertilizers, plastics and dyes. There are several industrial units in Haryana's Sonipat district that is close to Delhi's northern border.