The Delhi Jal Board has increased its sewage treatment capacity by 450 million gallons per day by increasing inflow of sewage by intercepting drains and covering more colonies under its sewerage network.
"The substantial increase in quantity of sewage treated at the sewage treatment plants (STPs) of DJB has been possible due to increased inflow of sewage by intercepting drains and covering more colonies under the sewerage network," the DJB said in a statement.
Drains, which have been intercepted and their discharge brought into nearest STP, include Vishwas Nagar drain, Sooraj Mal drain, Dilshad Garden nallah, Delhi Gate nallah, Balbir Nagar drain and Yamuna Vihar Main Road drain.
"These drains were directly or indirectly falling into River Yamuna and were thus, increasing its pollution load. Interception and diversion of these drains to the STPs have contributed to reduction in pollution load in the river.
"Apart from interception of drains, the increased sewage flow in the STPs has also been due to operationalisation of sewerage network in more colonies," the statement said.
Delhi Water Minister and DJB chairperson Kapil Mishra said, "At DJB, our focus is on water recycling to optimise the use of precious water resources in Delhi. Increasing the sewage treatment capacity will result in the creation and nurturing of a water cycle that has a minimal impact on the environment. Treating sewage to quality standards will help in the rejuvenation of Delhi's lifeline, the Yamuna river."
DJB aims to enhance its sewage treatment to 500 MGD by end of this year.
