Yamuna toxicity disrupts Delhi’s water supply ahead of Diwali – Delhi News

The the level of pollution of the Yamuna River disrupted water supply in various parts of Delhi, creating a critical problem for the city’s residents ahead of Diwali.

Normally, the Bhagirathi and Sonia Vihar water treatment plants, which have a combined capacity of 250 million gallons per day (MGD) — 140 MGD from Sonia Vihar and 110 MGD from Bhagirathi — get water from the Ganga. However, due to the annual maintenance and repair work being carried out by the UP Irrigation Department and the UP Jal Nigam, the water supply to the Ganga has been suspended since October 21.

As a contingency measure, these plants have turned to the Yamuna river for raw water until the supply resumes after October 31.

However, high ammonia levels in excess of 1.5 ppm (parts per million) present a significant treatment problem, resulting in a reduction of up to 30 percent capacity.

The The pollution level of the Yamuna has worsenedwith a thick layer of toxic foam covering the river. This foam, which contains harmful chemicals, poses significant health risks, including respiratory problems and skin irritation.

It has directly affected several key areas of the national capital, including South Delhi’s affluent areas such as Greater Kailash, Vasant Kunj, Malviya Nagar, Lajpat Nagar and Panchsheel Park.

Apart from this, large areas of East Delhi, North East Delhi and selected districts of NDMC are experiencing severe water scarcity. Major affected areas include Gokulpuri, Shahdara, Mayur Vihar, Patparganj, Vishwakarma Park and many others. Residents are advised to save water and carefully plan its use during this period.