Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, emphasizing the need for a holistic and long-term strategy to address water-related challenges in the national capital. The meeting focused on cleaning the Yamuna River, ensuring consistent drinking water supply, and revamping the sewage system in Delhi. Attended by key Union Ministers, including Manohar Lal and C.R. Patil, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and senior officials, the session underscored the Centre’s commitment to urban water management.
Highlighting the Yamuna’s cultural and spiritual significance, Shah declared that its cleanliness is a priority for the Modi government. He instructed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to develop a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), ensuring high standards in quality, maintenance, and discharge practices, with the SOP to be shared across all states for uniform implementation.
Looking ahead, Shah directed that all planning related to the Yamuna, drinking water, and drainage must be future-ready, with a 20-year horizon. He also called for strengthening the Delhi Jal Board, emphasizing the immediate need to fill vacant positions and improve operational efficiency. Addressing Delhi’s growing water demands, the Home Minister urged enhancements to the water distribution network and reduction of pipeline leakages. He further recommended the adoption of world-class desilting technology to modernize the drainage infrastructure.
The meeting reflects a broader push under the Modi government to integrate urban renewal with sustainable water and waste management solutions, while safeguarding natural and cultural assets like the Yamuna.
