Context:
To reduce untreated sewage flowing into the Yamuna River, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has begun implementation of 34 decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs). Tenders have now been issued for 13 DSTPs, marking a major step in Delhi’s long-delayed sewage management reform.
Key Highlights / Details
Project Status and Implementation
• Tenders issued for 13 DSTPs; tenders for 15 more to be floated soon; estimates underway for last 6 plants.
• Land secured for 30 out of 34 sites; Delhi Development Authority (DDA) expected to allot remaining plots.
• Project target: First 13 DSTPs by March 2027, all 34 by December 2027.
• Combined treatment capacity enhanced to 160 MGD (Million Gallons per Day).
Decentralised Sewage Treatment Model
• Each DSTP will cater to 3–5 villages or unauthorized colonies.
• Treat sewage near the source, reducing pipeline load and leakage risk.
• Cheaper and faster alternative to large centralized sewage systems.
• Complements existing 37 large STPs in Delhi.
Background and Delays
• First proposed in 2015 under the AAP government.
• Initial plan: 48 DSTPs → revised to 40 → now 34.
• Major delay due to land acquisition issues.
• Received renewed push after PM and Union Home Minister meetings on Yamuna rejuvenation.
Funding and National Coordination
• Budget allocation announced: ₹500 crore.
• Part of larger plan to increase Delhi’s sewage treatment capacity to 1,500 MGD by 2028.
• Reviewed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to speed up Yamuna cleaning efforts.
Relevant Prelims Points
• Yamuna accounts for 76% of Delhi’s pollution load despite covering only 2% of its length in Delhi.
• Major pollutants: domestic sewage, industrial effluents, solid waste dumping, agricultural runoff.
• Key agencies: DJB, DDA, CPCB, NMCG.
• DSTPs use technologies like Constructed Wetlands, MBBR, SBR in smaller units.
Relevant Mains Points
• Linked topics: Urban wastewater management, river rejuvenation, federal coordination, urban ecology.
• Constitutional linkage: Article 48A & 51A(g) – Environmental protection.
• Challenges: land acquisition, maintenance of decentralized units, inter-agency coordination.
• Way Forward: reuse treated water, community monitoring, drain mapping, PPP-based operations, sludge management.