Context:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Yamuna River will be clean before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, aligning with the government’s larger urban environmental goals. The statement came during the inauguration of several Delhi Jal Board (DJB) projects aimed at sewage treatment and landfill clearance.
Key Highlights / Details:
- Amit Shah launched multiple DJB projects, including sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a combined cost of ₹1,186 crore.
- The government set a January 2028 deadline for clearing Delhi’s major landfills at Bhalaswa, Ghazipur, and Okhla.
- The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat and Namami Gange Missions, focusing on river rejuvenation and urban sanitation.
- Shah emphasized that waste-to-energy (WTE) and waste management plants will play a key role in achieving the clean-up target.
- He noted that cleaning the Yamuna is a collective administrative and political priority, reflecting accountability ahead of the 2029 General Elections.
- The announcement follows major budget allocations for Delhi’s waste management and urban rejuvenation under schemes like AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Namami Gange Mission (2014): Integrated river conservation program under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
- DJB (Delhi Jal Board): Nodal agency managing water supply and sewage treatment in Delhi.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): Flagship mission for urban waste management and sanitation.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Urban River Rejuvenation: Focus on sewage treatment, solid waste management, and drainage modernization.
- Governance and Accountability: Political commitments tied to measurable environmental outcomes.
- Environmental Infrastructure: Importance of integrating waste-to-energy with pollution control and circular economy goals.