New Delhi : Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a high-level meeting in New Delhi directed to adopt a holistic approach to clean the Yamuna River, ensure drinking water supply, and improve sewage systems in Delhi. The meeting was attended by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Home Secretary, Secretaries of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Ministry of Jal Shakti, Delhi’s Chief Secretary, and several senior officials from the Central and Delhi Governments.
He stated that the Yamuna is not just a river but also a symbol of faith, making its cleanliness a priority for the Modi government. Shri Shah said that the Ministry of Jal Shakti should develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), establishing standards for their quality, maintenance, and discharge. He emphasized that this SOP should also be shared with other states.
Amit Shah stressed that plans for the Yamuna, drinking water, and drainage in Delhi should be made with a 20-year vision. He highlighted the crucial role of the Delhi Jal Board in cleaning the Yamuna and emphasized the need to strengthen it, directing immediate filling of vacant posts in the Board.
Union Home Minister underscored the need to enhance Delhi’s water distribution efficiency, stating that effective water management is essential to ensure drinking water supply across the city. He said, for water supply in Delhi, the Jal Board should strengthen the water distribution structure along with preventing leakage in the pipelines. Shri Shah also emphasized the use of world-class technology for desilting drains.