PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meet On Yamuna Revival; Here's What He Said
The meeting also focused on the urgent need to redevelop the water infrastructure of Delhi to address issues like water leakage and unbilled water in the city’s supply system.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi to assess the current situation of the Yamuna River and the plans for its cleaning and revival. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, and other senior officials.
A detailed agency-wise plan for the cleaning of the Yamuna was examined, and the plan was divided into three phases: Short-term (three months), Medium-term (three months to one and a half years), and Long-term (one and a half to three years). Each phase includes clearly defined activities and objectives.
The discussion also focused on major aspects of river rejuvenation, including drainage and solid waste management, treatment of sewage and septage, disposal of dairy and industrial waste, enhancing river flow, and securing floodplain areas. Time-bound goals have been set to ensure effective and timely execution of these efforts.
In addition, the meeting focused on the urgent need to redevelop the water infrastructure of Delhi to address issues like water leakage and unbilled water in the city’s supply system. In this regard, Delhi will develop a comprehensive Urban River Management Plan, which will be integrated with the Delhi Master Plan. This initiative will not only aid in the conservation of the Yamuna but also enhance urban water management.
PM Modi Emphasises Launching 'Jan-Nadi Sambandh'
The Prime Minister stressed the need to instill a sense of respect and connection towards the Yamuna among the public, especially the youth. He emphasised launching a 'people’s movement' under the concept of “Jan-Nadi Sambandh” (People-River Connection), encouraging individuals to participate as volunteers in river revival efforts and related events along the riverbanks. He also noted that the river is not just a water source, but a center of cultural identity.
Highlighting festivals like 'Chhath Puja', the Prime Minister stated that celebrating Chhath along the Yamuna in Delhi should be a smooth and beautiful experience. For this, proper cleanliness, access, and facilities along the riverbanks must be ensured.
The meeting also reviewed the state of the Yamuna stretch from Delhi to Haryana and Prayagraj. The Prime Minister was briefed on the inflow of polluted water, the operational efficiency of sewage treatment plants (STPs), and related administrative challenges.
He emphasised the use of advanced technology for better monitoring. He directed that real-time data should be collected on drains and STPs, which can then be used to create effective policies and strengthen pollution control frameworks. He also suggested leveraging 'space technology' for more accurate and widespread monitoring.
During the discussion, the idea of linking the “Braj Yatra” with the Yamuna citizen movement was also presented to help people understand the river’s importance and actively contribute to its preservation.
In a nutshell, the sole aim of the meeting was to make a 'decisive step' towards the conservation and rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, highlighting an integrated strategy, technology, governance, and public participation.
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