New Delhi, Jul 29 (PTI) The city government has roped in IIT-Delhi to conduct a feasibility survey for a proposed deep dredging of the Yamuna River in a bid to increase its water-carrying capacity, improve its ecological health, and reduce urban flooding, officials said on Wednesday.
Dredging involves excavating silt and waste accumulated over the years from the riverbed, thereby increasing the river’s storage and carrying capacity.
“We have roped in IIT-Delhi to conduct a survey of the river before taking up the dredging work; a report in this regard will be submitted soon,” a senior official said.
The Yamuna flows for about 52 km through Delhi, with the 22-km stretch between Wazirabad and Okhla being highly polluted. It has become the focal point
of multiple planning and policy efforts.
Delhi’s water production has increased from an average of 927 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2020-21 to around 990-1000 MGD in 2024. However, the city’s requirement is estimated at around 1290 MGD, according to the Economic Survey, leaving a significant supply gap.
According to DJB officials, dredging work has also been initiated in several drains flowing into the Yamuna to reduce the waste entering the river.
“Through this exercise, the water holding capacity of the river will also increase, which will reduce chances of flooding and increase the raw water availability for water supply,” the official said.
The DJB said no special permission would be required from the National Green Tribunal for the exercise. PTI SSM RHL
