Context:
• A recent TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) study has flagged severe chemical and microplastic pollution in the Delhi stretch of the Yamuna River.
• The findings were presented to the Delhi Government, prompting administrative action to strengthen river pollution control and governance mechanisms.
• The issue highlights persistent gaps in urban wastewater management and industrial regulation.
Key Highlights:
Findings of the TERI Study
• Based on 100 water samples from 50 locations, the study identified pollution hotspots with high concentrations of:
– Surfactants (detergent chemicals)
– Ammonia
– Microplastics
• Major contributors include untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and solid waste dumping, leading to frothing, chemical contamination, and plastic load.
Critical Pollution Sources
• Najafgarh and Shahdara drains identified as major carriers of pollutants into the Yamuna.
• Underperforming STPs and CETPs unable to treat excess surfactants and ammonia.
• Delhi Jal Board acknowledged the lack of infrastructure to handle high surfactant loads.
Recommendations by TERI
• Monthly monitoring of major drains, STPs, and CETPs for microplastic contamination.
• Upgradation of STPs using:
– Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
– Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) technologies
• Penal action against non-compliant units discharging untreated waste.
• Determination of permissible limits for surfactants in wastewater.
Government Response
• Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa directed departments to examine TERI’s recommendations.
• Announcement of an inter-departmental coordination cell to improve implementation and accountability.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Issue: Rising chemical and microplastic pollution in urban rivers.
• Causes:
– Untreated sewage and industrial discharge.
– Lack of surfactant treatment technology.
• Government Measures:
– Strengthening STP monitoring.
– Inter-departmental coordination mechanism.
• Benefits of Action:
– Improved water quality and aquatic health.
– Reduced frothing and chemical toxicity.
• Challenges:
– High cost of STP upgradation.
– Weak enforcement of effluent norms.
• Impact:
– Direct effect on urban water security and public health.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Facts & Definitions:
– Surfactants: Compounds that reduce surface tension between substances.
– STP: Facility treating domestic sewage.
– CETP: Plant treating industrial effluents from clusters.
• Conceptual Linkages:
– Urban river pollution as a governance and environmental challenge.
– Microplastics as an emerging pollutant with long-term ecological impacts.
• Policy & Governance Issues:
– Fragmented institutional responsibility.
– Absence of regulatory caps on detergent surfactants.
• Way Forward:
– Introduce regulatory limits on surfactants at manufacturing level.
– Invest in advanced wastewater treatment technologies.
– Strengthen real-time monitoring and compliance enforcement.
– Promote biodegradable detergents and public awareness.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 3: Environment & Ecology, Pollution Control, Sustainable Development
• GS 2: Governance, Urban Administration, Environmental Regulation