Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a crucial high-level meeting on Wednesday evening to assess and address the growing concerns related to the cleaning of the Yamuna River and Delhi’s drinking water supply. The meeting emphasized the urgent need for rejuvenating the heavily polluted Yamuna and improving water availability for Delhi’s residents.
Top Leaders Participate in Strategic Discussion
The review meeting was attended by several key leaders and officials, including:
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil
- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
- Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P. K. Mishra
- Principal Secretary-2 to the PM Shaktikanta Das
- Additional Secretary to the PM Atish Chandra
A detailed presentation was made on both issues, highlighting the current challenges, proposed action plans, and the long-term vision for restoring the Yamuna and resolving Delhi’s water woes.
Yamuna Rejuvenation: A National Priority
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its manifesto for the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, promised a comprehensive cleanup of the Yamuna River, which it described as having “turned into a polluted drain, filled with filth and garbage.”
Criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) previous efforts, BJP dubbed the party’s tenure as “AAP-DA”, alleging that despite an expenditure of ₹8,500 crore, the river remains severely polluted.
Future Plans for the Yamuna Riverfront
In a bold and ambitious plan, BJP has pledged to develop the Yamuna Riverfront modeled after the Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat. Key features of the proposal include:
- Establishment of 24×7 commercial establishments
- Launch of interactive shows, theatres, and other entertainment venues along the riverbanks
- Formation of a dedicated “Yamuna Kosh” (Yamuna Fund) for rejuvenation efforts
The party also outlined steps to treat wastewater from key drains such as Barapullah, Shahdara, and Ghazipur before it enters the Yamuna.
A Joint Effort for a Cleaner Capital
The meeting underscored the central government’s commitment to work in collaboration with the Delhi government to tackle environmental and infrastructure challenges, ensuring clean water and a revitalized river ecosystem for the national capital.
The issue is not only of local importance but also resonates nationally, as the Yamuna River plays a crucial role in the cultural and ecological fabric of Northern India.
