Rising Ammonia Levels in Yamuna Threaten Delhi’s Water Supply

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-01-31 13:01:46 |

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The ongoing water crisis in Delhi has once again come into focus due to rising ammonia pollution in the Yamuna River. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Haryana government of releasing excessive ammonia levels, which threaten the water supply for millions of Delhi residents. This issue has sparked both political and environmental debates over the management of the river and its tributaries.

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a strong odour and is widely used in industrial applications such as fertilisers and cleaning agents. Major sources of ammonia pollution include agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and untreated sewage. When ammonia levels rise in water bodies, they severely affect water quality, making it difficult for treatment plants to process the contaminated water.

In the Yamuna, pollution levels often exceed the capacities of existing water treatment facilities. The Delhi Jal Board can only treat water with ammonia levels below one part per million (ppm). When these levels rise, particularly during winter months when freshwater inflow is minimal, water supply disruptions become frequent. This poses a significant public health risk, as millions of residents depend on treated water for daily consumption.

To manage ammonia contamination, the Delhi Jal Board relies on chlorine treatment. Around 11.5 kg of chlorine is required per litre of water to neutralise one ppm of ammonical nitrogen. The treatment process must also ensure that residual chlorine remains in the water to eliminate harmful pathogens. However, when ammonia levels increase beyond a certain threshold, this method becomes less effective, complicating water supply management.

Efforts to address the ammonia crisis have so far been inadequate. The Delhi government proposed an ammonia treatment plant at Wazirabad in March 2023, but it is still under development. Meanwhile, the Haryana government has been slow to implement measures to prevent industrial pollution from affecting the Yamuna. The crisis calls for a collaborative effort between both states to mitigate the worsening situation and ensure a sustainable water supply for the region.

The Yamuna River is one of India's most significant rivers, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. It flows through several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, before merging with the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. The river is essential for sustaining agriculture, providing drinking water, and supporting diverse ecosystems. Its tributaries, including the Tons, Giri, Hindon, and Chambal rivers, contribute to its flow and ecological health. Each of these tributaries plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall balance of the Yamuna River system.

As ammonia pollution continues to threaten Delhi’s water supply, immediate and coordinated action is needed to protect this vital resource and ensure the well-being of millions who depend on it.

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