Twin solution proposed to turn Yamuna healthy

New Delhi : In a push to restore the health of the Yamuna, two proposals have been placed before Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) — one to boost its flow through a new pipeline network and the other to plug heavy losses in the canal system. The plans aim to secure a steady environmental flow in the polluted river while strengthening the city’s overall water supply.

The proposals aim to address low water levels in the river, particularly during summer, while also tackling pollution through improved dilution, states the plan, which was accessed by TOI.

The first solution involves diverting a portion of water currently allocated for irrigation into the river through a dedicated pipeline network. “From the Jani regulator, 1,300 cusecs should be diverted to the Hindon instead of 1,800 cusecs, and 500 cusecs of water should be released directly into the Yamuna from the Muradnagar regulator through a new pipeline that will reach the river at Okhla,” the proposal reads.

It adds that the entire 1,800 cusecs at Okhla Barrage should continue to be made available to Uttar Pradesh for Agra Canal, as before. The plan also underlines the need to reduce pollution levels in the Hindon and Hindon Cut Canal.

Officials have proposed constructing a pipeline system to carry 500 cusecs of water and discharge it downstream near Okhla Barrage. The plan includes laying twin pipelines, each with a capacity of 250 cusecs, over a stretch of nearly 29km, at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,500 crore.

The additional flow is expected to significantly improve the river’s condition in Delhi by maintaining a minimum water level and reducing pollutant concentration, while ensuring that the existing allocation for Agra Canal remains unaffected, thus balancing irrigation and environmental needs.

The second solution focuses on improving efficiency in the existing water supply system by addressing losses in Delhi Sub Branch Canal, which supplies raw water to the city.

Currently, around 330 cusec water is released into the canal from Hathnikund Barrage. However, nearly 30% of this water is lost due to seepage and infrastructural inefficiencies over around 102km before it reaches Haiderpur Water Treatment Plant from the Munak headworks.

The proposal notes that 330 cusec water is supplied to the city through Delhi Sub Branch Canal at the Munak headworks. Due to poor lining along the 102km stretch, nearly 30% — around 100 cusecs — is lost as conveyance loss.

It suggests that if Haryana undertakes proper lining of the canal to prevent seepage and ensures that the full 330 cusecs reaches Delhi at the Haiderpur plant, there would be no need to draw an additional 100 cusecs from the Yamuna during summer. This saved water could instead remain in the river as environmental flow, predicts the proposal.
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