OFFICE OF THE POLLUTION MONITORING COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY HON’BLE NGT ROOM NO. 58, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE 40, MAX MUELLER MARG, LODHI ESTATE NEW – 110003

Dated: 21.04.2020

Subject: Water Quality of River Yamuna during the Lockdown

Background: Yamuna Pollution Monitoring Committee (YMC) observed a number of reports and pictures of river Yamuna appearing in the media, including social media, which showed improvement in water quality in the river after the lock down imposed by the Government. YMC members also started receiving telephonic calls from different media agencies seeking confirmation about the improvement in water quality and the reasons therefor. In order to settle the matter, the YMC asked both CPCB and DPCC, through Whatsapp messages sent to the Member Secretaries on 4th and 5th April, to undertake testing of water quality in the river as well as the main drains joining the river and submit a report within one week giving detailed analysis of the results and the causative factors for improvement, if any noticed, in water quality. Test and Analysis Reports: 1. DPCC Report of 15.4.20: The Report of DPCC received on 15.4.20 is based on samples collected at 9 stations along the river and at 20 stations on the drains. The analysis suggests that there is deterioration in water quality at 4 stations, namely, Palla, Surghat, Khajuri Paltoon Pool(downstream of point) and Kudesia Ghat whereas there is improvement ranging from 20-33% in BOD at 5 stations, namely, ITO, Nizamuddin, Jaitpur, barrage(Upstream) and Ohkla barrage(downstream after meeting of Shahdara drain). The Water quality measured on 6.4.20 has been compared with corresponding data for the year 2019. Another

1 significant factor held responsible for the improvement, wherever noticed, is almost four-fold increase in fresh water availability downstream of Wazirabad in April 2020 (DPCC report is Placed at Annexure -1, Page no. 4).

2. CPCB Report of 20.4.20: The Report of CPCB received on 20.4.20 is based on samples collected at three stations, namely, Palla, Nizamuddin and Okhla (Downstream) and 16 major drains. The major findings are that the water quality at all the three stations has improved significantly over pre

lock down quality. In fact BOD at Nizamuddin and Okhla has decreasedincreased by as much as 80 to 90% with similar decreasesincreases in COD, though DO levels were still low. The waste water quality in two major drains, namely, Najafgarh and Shahdara, which contribute to about 2/3rd of the hydraulic load of all the drains, has also shown improvement of about 30-45% in BOD, though the drains even with this improvement had BOD levels of 56 mg/L and 89 mg/L respectively. The Report, based on the data supplied by DJB, also has pointed out that the fresh water availability which was less than 1000 cusecs prior to lockdown, increased, more than fivefold downstream of Wazirabad during the lockdown. Besides the fact that all the industries, which contributed to about 36 MLD of effluent, having been closed also helped improve water quality. Other factors attributed are due to stoppage of human activities such as throwing of Pooja materials, solid waste disposal, bathing and washing of clothes etc. which were minimised during the ongoing lockdown. (CPCB Report placed at Annexure- 2, Page no. 12).

2 YMC’s Observation: As may be seen, there is some variance between the results of the tests carried out by the CPCB and DPCC. Though YMC had asked the CPCB to compile the data of CPCB and DPCC and submit a consolidated report, CPCB informed that such an exercise was not possible in the present situation. Also, whereas the report of DPCC is based on samples collected at 9 stations along the river, the report of CPCB is based on samples from 3 stations. The timing and location of the samples collected were not the same. However the common findings are as under; 1. There was significant increase (5 to 6 fold) in fresh water availability during the Month of April downstream of Wazirabad which helped in dilution of the pollution caused due to waste water from major drains like Najafgarh and Shahdara, which even during the Lockdown period had BOD of 56 mg/L and 89 mg/L respectively. Therefore, for improvement in water quality, availability of fresh water in significant quantities is of importance. 2. Industrial effluent, from 28 industrial clusters and industries in non- conforming/residential areas, was absent during the period of lockdown. Residential areas are estimated to have more than 51000 industries. Preventing any industrial effluent going into the drains and eventually the river has contributed to improvement in the water quality. This is also clear from significant reduction in the COD levels both in the drains and the river. 3. Other human activities like stoppage of indiscriminate dumping of solid waste, C&D waste, pooja material, washings and bathing and even unauthorised dumping of septage during the lockdown have also contributed to the improvement.

3 ａｮｮ･ｸｵｲ･＠Ｍ＠Ｑ ASSESSMENT

OF

YAMUNA RIVER WATER QUALITY, DELHI

DURING LOCK DOWN PERIOD

DELHI POLLUTION CONTROL COMMITTEE 5TH FLOOR, ISBT BUILDING, KASHMERE GATE, DELHI-6 (Visit us at: http://dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in) (APRIL 2020)

4 ASSESSMENT OF RIVER WATER QUALITY DURING LOCK DOWN PERIOD Delhi Pollution Control Committee has monitored the water quality of River Yamuna on 06.04.2020 at 9 locations and drains at 20 locations during lockdown period. The data obtained was compared with previous year data (April 2019). The assessment is given below: A. River Water Quality Assessment

1. Palla: No reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at Palla during lockdown. However, water quality is meeting the Water Quality Criteria of Bathing Standard (Class ‘C’)

2. Surghat: No reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at Surghat. However, water quality is meeting the Water Quality Criteria of Bathing Standard.

3. Khajuri Paltoon Pool (d/s Najafgarh Drain): 42% increase in BOD pollution level was observed.

4. Kudesia Ghat: No significant change (4%) in pollution level of water quality was observed at Kudesia Ghat.

5. ITO Bridge: 21% reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at ITO Bridge.

6. Nizamuddin Bridge: 20% reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at ITO Bridge during lockdown period.

7. Agra Canal Jaitpur: : 26% reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at Agra Canal Jaitpur during lockdown.

8. Agra Canal : 33% reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at Agra Canal Okhla during lockdown.

5 9. D/s Okhla Barrage (after meeting Shahdara drain): 18% reduction in pollution level of water quality was observed at Agra Canal Okhla during lockdown.

CONCLUSION

The quality of water in river Yamuna improved during lockdown period. At Okhla Barrage BOD value of 16 mg/l was observed, compared to 24 mg/l last year (April 2019) (33% improvement). However, the water quality is not meeting the Water Quality Criteria.

In April 2019 the average flow was 1000 cusecs compared to average flow of 3900 cusecs in April 2020. Therefore, the dilution is also contributing to the improvement of water quality.

6 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POLLUTION LEVEL (BOD) IN RIVER YAMUNA, DELHI

BOD (mg/L) April, 2019 April, 2020 33 35 28 28 30 25 24 22 24 23 23 25 19 20 20 16 16 17 15 10 3.8 5 1.7 2.8 2.8 0 Palla Surghat Palton Pool Kudesia Ghat ITO Bridge Nizamuddin Agra Canal Agra Canal D/S okhla Bridge (Okhla (Jaitpur) Barrage after Bridge) meeting Shahdara Drain

ASSESSMENT OF % REDUCTION

Sr. Location % Reduction BOD mg/l No. (2020)

Monitoring Year April, 2019 April, 2020 1 Palla 1.7 2.8 - 2 Surghat 2.8 3.8 - `3 Palton Pool 19 33 - 4 Kudesia Ghat 24 25 - 5 ITO Bridge 28 22 21 6 Nizamuddin Bridge 20 16 20 7 Agra Canal, Okhla Bridge 24 16 33 8 Agra Canal (Jaitpur 23 17 26 9 D/S Okhla Barrage after 18 28 23 meeting Shahdara Drain

7 WATER QUALITY OF RIVER YAMUNA (APRIL 2019 & APRIL 2020)

S.No. Location Date of pH COD mg/l BOD mg/l DO mg/l Faecal Monitoring Coliform( MPN/100ml) Primary Water Quality Criteria 6.5- - 3 mg/l or less 5 mg/l or 500(desirable for Bathing Water 8.5 more 2500 (maximum permissible) 1 Palla April, 2020 8.00 12.0 2.8 6.9 18x102 April, 2019 7.6 8 1.7 8.5 - 2 Surghat April, 2020 8.06 16.0 3.8 6.8 170 April, 2019 7.4 12 2.8 5.8 - 3 Palton Pool April, 2020 7.24 116.0 33.0 NIL 13x106 April, 2019 7.5 64 19 NIL - 4 Kudesia April, 2020 7.37 60.0 25.0 NIL 14x106 Ghat April, 2019 7.2 76 24 NIL - 5 ITO Bridge April, 2020 7.63 32.0 22.0 2.3 33x106 April, 2019 7 88 28 NIL - 6 Nizamuddin April, 2020 7.64 42.0 16.0 2.3 63x104 Bridge April, 2019 7 68 20 NIL - 7 Agra Canal, April, 2020 7.46 42.0 16.0 4.8 26x104 (Okhla April, 2019 7.3 68 24 NIL - Barrage) 8 Agra Canal April, 2020 7.45 48.0 17.0 4.2 14x105 (Jaitpur ) April, 2019 7.4 64 23 NIL - 9 D/S okhla April, 2020 7.63 76.0 23 NIL 12x105 Barrage April, 2019 7.4 96 28 NIL - after meeting Shardra Drain

8 B, Drain Waste Water Quality Assessment wrt BOD

1, Najafgarh Drain: 22% reduction in pollution level of drain waste water quality was observed in April 2020 as compared to April 2019.

2. ISBT Drain: 68% reduction in pollution level of drain waste water quality was observed.

3. Civil Mill Drain: 80% reduction in pollution level of drain waste water quality was observed.

4, Barapulla Drain: 32% increase in pollution level of drain waste water quality was observed.

5. Shahdara Drain: 33% reduction in pollution level of drain waste water quality was observed.

9 DRAIN WASTEWATER QUALITY (APRIL 2020)

S.No. Location Year 2020 pH COD mg/l BOD TSS mg/l mg/l 1 Najafgarh April-2020 7.53 104.0 35.0 89.5 2 Barapulla April-2020 7.30 260.0 124.0 232.6 3 Maharani Bagh April-2020 7.45 476.0 193.0 267.0 4 Kalkaji April-2020 7.94 128.0 51.0 109.5 5 Sarita Vihar April-2020 7.37 584.0 288.0 467.0 Road 6 Tehkhand April-2020 7.85 64.0 15.0 36.0 7 Sarita Vihar April-2020 7.46 8.0 2.4 5.0 8 Tughlakabad April-2020 7.96 164.0 69.0 142.5 9 Shahdara April-2020 7.49 188.0 84.0 218.0 10 Sahibabad April-2020 7.68 300.0 111.0 308.5 11 Indrapuri April-2020 7.9 348.0 148.0 577.5 12 Magazine Road April-2020 7.16 900.0 305.0 1139.5 13 Khyber Pass Drain April-2020 7.63 44.0 8.0 16.0 14 Sweeper Colony April-2020 7.58 20.0 6.0 7.0 15 ISBT Drain April-2020 7.77 64.0 9.0 63.0 16 Tanga Stand April-2020 7.76 64.0 8.0 29.5 17 Civil Mill April-2020 7.71 92.0 27.0 205.0 18 Sen Nursing Home April-2020 7.3 192.0 89.0 126.0 19 Drain No. 14 April-2020 7.85 72.0 19.0 26.0 20 Power House April-2020 7.12 96.0 27.0 27.0

10 COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POLLUTION LEVEL (BOD) IN RIVER YAMUNA, DELHI

BOD ( mg/L) April, 2019 April,2020 160 145 135 140 124 125 120 94 100 89 84 80 60 45 35 40 28 27 20 9 0 Najafgarh I.S.B.T. Drain Civil Mill Sen Nursing Barapulla Shahdara Home 1 2 3 4 5 6

ASSESSMENT OF % REDUCTION

S.No. Location BOD, mg/L %Reduction %Increase April, 2019 April,2020 (April 2020) (April 2020) 1 Najafgarh 45 35 22 - 2 I.S.B.T. Drain 28 9 68 - 3 Civil Mill 135 27 80 - 4 Sen Nursing Home 145 89 39 - 5 Barapulla 94 124 - 32 6 Shahdara 125 84 33 -

11

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) Annexure - 2

CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD (Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change) ‘PariveshBhawan’, East Arjun Nagar, Delhi – 110032

REPORT ON ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF LOCK DOWN ON WATER QUALITY OF RIVER YAMUNA – DELHI STRETCH

1. BACKGROUND

Various photographs and videos were circulated among different social media platforms claiming improved water quality of river Yamuna due to lock down of NCT of Delhi in amid crisis of COVID-19. A visit was made to verify the status of water quality of river Yamuna on 06/04/2020between 9 AM to 1 PM by the CPCB Team comprising following officials: -

(1). Dr. Yashpal Yadav, Scientist ‘B’, Bio-Lab, CPCB, Delhi, and (2). Shri Anand B Salve, JSA, Bio-Lab, CPCB, Delhi.

Sampling of river Yamuna at 3 locations viz., Palla ( Entry point of river Yamuna in Delhi), Nizamuddin bridge ( between and Okhla barrage – 14 drains contributing discharges), Okhla barrage Upstream (after discharge of 16 drains) and two major drains ( which are contributors of both hydraulic & pollution load in river Yamuna)namelyNajafgarh drain and Shahdaradrain following the standard protocols for collection, transportation and further analysis were carried out in CPCBCentral Laboratory.Approximately, river Yamuna stretch between collected water sampling locations i.e., between Palla and WazirabadBarrage is about 22KM, between Wazirabad Barrage to Nizamuddin Road Bridge is about 13.5 KM, Nizammuddin Bridge to Okhla Barrage is about 7.5 KM. At the time of sampling, no human activity such as bathing, washing of clothes at Dhobi Ghats, religious activities, throwing of flowers, garlands and other worship materials, was observed by the monitoring team in the vicinity of the sampling locations. Photographs of river Yamuna and drains taken during the visit is annexed as Annexure-I.

12

2. INTRODUCTION–ABOUT RIVER YAMUNA WITHIN DELHI STRETCH

River Yamuna enter Delhi at village Palla, traverse 22 Km to Wazirabad barragewhere entire water is impounded to meet the drinking water requirement of Delhi.River Yamuna cease to exist downstream of Wazirabad Barrage during major part of the year and gets its flow from Najafgarh drain at Wazirabad downstream.No major fresh water is allowed to flow downstream of Wazirabad barrage except for monsoon season. As the river traverses further downstream the flow is blocked by a barrage at Okhla. The major part of the water is diverted to Agra canal.

2.1 DRAINAGE PATTERN OF RIVER YAMUNA-WITHIN DELHI STRETCH

There are 23 drains discharging wastewater in river Yamuna i.e., 16 drains discharging wastewater in river Yamuna stretch between Wazirabad downstream to Okhla Upstream and 04 drains meet Yamuna in downstream of Okhla Barrage and 03 more drains which discharge their wastewater directly to Agra Canal and Canal. 05 out of 23 drains are having interception and diversion provision of sewage to the nearby STPs for ensuring further treatment. Schematic flow diagram of river Yamuna contributing to pollution in river Yamuna within Delhi stretch is given in Figure 1.

Based on the assessment carried out for the year 2019 (Table 1), out of all the drains that flow into the river Yamuna, the drains viz., Najafgarh drain (including Supplementary drain), Delhi Gate drain, Sen Nursing Home drain, Barapulla, Tughlakabad and Shahdara drain contribute about 86% of hydraulic load (Volume of Waste Water) and 75 % of organic load (BOD i.e., amount of organic matter).Main causes for pollution in river Yamuna are (i) discharge of treated or untreated sewage, (ii) discharge of treated and untreated industrial effluents, (iii) bathing by the general public, (iv) washing of clothes on the banks, (v) performing poojas, (vi) throwing of worship materials including idols made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) and decorated with toxic paints during festival season,(vii) disposal of solid waste, and (viii) Flood plain farming and other activities etc.,

13

Table 1: Waste Water Discharges through Drain into River Yamuna (2019)

S.No. Name of Drain Avg. Flow Avg. BOD Load (MLD) (TPD) 1. Najafgarh Drain 1938.38 133.82 2. Shahdara Drain 500.97 61.44 3. Waste water input into 117.93 21.54 abandoned Agra Canal 4 Barapulla Drain 151.77 10.46 5 Tuglakabad Drain 22.10 3.42 6 Delhi Gate (Power 39.02 3.43 House) Drain 7 Sen Nursing Home Drain 31.53 4.69 8 Abu Fazal Drain 28.94 0.88 9 ISBT + Mori Gate Drain 37.94 2.67 10 SaritaVihar Drain 35.68 7.73 11 Maharani Bagh Drain 30.16 3.51 12 Jaitpur Drain 19.58 3.07 13 Molar Bandh Drain 22.17 2.36 14 Kailash Nagar Drain 9 2.70 15 Tonga Stand Drain 4.46 0.59 16 Shastri Park Drain 5.76 0.75 17 Drain No.14 6.54 0.07 18 Magazine Road Drain 4.32 0.30 19 Civil Mill Drain 11.14 0.67 20 Metcalf House Drain 3.45 0.11 21 Sweeper Colony Drain 5.4 0.10 22 Khyber Pass Drain NF NF Total 3026.24 MLD 264.31 TPD Note: NF- No Flow

2.2 STATUS OF WASTEWATER GENERATION AND TREATMENT CAPACITY

There are 41 STPs and out of which 33 STPs are operational and remaining 08 STPs are observed non-operational. The total installed capacity of wastewater in Delhi is 3149.3 MLD and operational capacity of 33 STPs are 2801.27 MLD and capacity of non- operational 08 STPs is 348.03 MLD. Out of 2801 MLD of operational capacity, actual treatment capacity utilization is 2254 MLD.

Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has initiated Interceptor Sewage Project (ISP) to trap untreated sewage from 108 drains out-falling into Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahdara drains. Currently, 94% of project work has been completed i.e.,out of proposed 916 MLD (242 MGD) drain flow to be trapped under ISP, 476 MLD (125.8 MGD) of sewage flow from

14 drains has been trapped so far and provision of trapping of sewage from drains about 583 MLD (154 MGD)is expected to be completed by October, 2019.

2.3 INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT

There are 28 Approved Industrial Estates/Areas in Delhi and 28117 industrial units are operating in these industrial estates/areas as per online Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Out of 28117 industrial units, 1516 industrial units are water polluting and have installed captive Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs). Main sources of water by industries in Delhi is groundwater and through tankers. Total waste water generation from these industrial estates/areas is 35.98 MLD. Also, there are 13 CETPs to cater the waste water generated from 17 Approved Industrial Estates/Areas with total treatment capacity of 212.3 MLD.

In view of the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, all the industries are not operational and therefore, at present, there is no discharge (both domestic sewage and industrial effluent) from all the industries located in Delhi State.However, during the lock down period, discharge of partially treated and untreated domestic wastewater continues to be in same proportionas in business as usual days. Shutting down of industrial activity will only result in reduction of 35.9 MLD of industrial effluent and still BOD load about 260 TPD is expected to be discharged through drains.

15

Figure 1: Schematic Flow Diagram of River Yamuna - Delhi Stretch

16 3. WATER QUALITY OF RIVER YAMUNA AND TWO DRAINS

As stated earlier, sampling of river Yamuna were carried out at 3 locations i.e., Palla, Nizamuddin Bridge, Okhla upstream andmajor two drains carrying wastewater namely Najafgarh drain and Shahdara drain on 06/04/2020.Also,CPCB has been carrying out monitoring of river Yamuna at these locations on monthly basis. Analytical results of afore mentioned locations are compared with data for theperiod March 2020 and April 2020and same are given in Table 1 and Table 2 below. Water Quality Trend of river Yamuna as well as Two Drains (Najafgarh and Shahdaradrain)with respect to pH, EC, DO, BOD and COD as observed during Pre-lockdown (March 04, 2020) and Lockdown period (April 06, 2020)are depicted in Figure 2 to Figure 6.

Table 1: Water Quality of River Yamuna - Delhi Stretch Parameters Primary 2018 2019 2020 Remarks- Water March April March April March* April ** Compliance Quality (06.04.2020) Status w.r.t Criteria Primary for Water Outdoor Quality Bathing Criteria(% Notified Increase or Under Decrease E (P) during Pre- Rules, Lockdown 1986 and Lock Down Period) Palla pH 6.5-8.5 8.3 7.8 8.1 8.7 8.7 7.8 Non- Complyingin April 2019 and March 2020 Conductivity, - 1215 1115 531 440 668 273 Decrease µS/cm (59.13 %) DO, mg/l 5.0 7.3 7.1 10.0 8.2 17.1 8.3 Complying (Decrease 51.46 %) BOD, mg/l 3.0 3 3 1.8 8.8 7.9 2.0 Not complying in April 2019 and March 2020. But complying in April 2020 (Decrease 74.69 %) COD, mg/l - 28 15 14 26 28 6 (Decrease -

17 Parameters Primary 2018 2019 2020 Remarks- Water March April March April March* April ** Compliance Quality (06.04.2020) Status w.r.t Criteria Primary for Water Outdoor Quality Bathing Criteria(% Notified Increase or Under Decrease E (P) during Pre- Rules, Lockdown 1986 and Lock Down Period) 78.57 %) NizamuddinBridge pH 6.5-8.5 7.4 8.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.2 Complying (Slight Increase 1.37 %) Conductivity, - 1906 2120 1140 1140 1369 460 Decrease µS/cm (66.40 %) DO, mg/l 5.0 1.8 1.2 1.9 1.0 Not 2.4 Not Detected complying during Pre- Lockdown and Lockdown, but improvement in lockdown period BOD, mg/l 3.0 42 39 21 18 57 5.6 Not compling during 2018, 2019 and in 2020 ( Pre- lockdown and Lockdown). But, considerable decrease in BOD Value in April 2020 (Drcrease 90.18%) COD, mg/l - 140 100 81 71 90 16 (Decrease 82.22 %) Okhla U/s pH 6.5-8.5 7.3 7.5 7.2 7.3 7.2 7.1 Complying (Slight Increase

18 Parameters Primary 2018 2019 2020 Remarks- Water March April March April March* April ** Compliance Quality (06.04.2020) Status w.r.t Criteria Primary for Water Outdoor Quality Bathing Criteria(% Notified Increase or Under Decrease E (P) during Pre- Rules, Lockdown 1986 and Lock Down Period) 1.39 %) Conductivity, - 990 1132 914 1230 861 488 (Decrease µS/cm 43.32 %) DO, mg/l 5.0 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.9 Not 1.2 Not Detected Complying BOD, mg/l 3.0 18 18 20 19 27 6.1 Not Complying But, considerable decrease in BOD value in April 2020 (Decrease 77.41 %) COD, mg/l - 81 67 66 67 95 18 Decrease (81.05 %) Note: *Pre- lockdown (04.03.2020) **Post-lockdown (06.04.2020) Increase( ) or Decrease ( ) when compared with values observed in March 2018 and April 2018 respectively

Table 2: Water Quality of Najafgarh and Shahdara Drain(Sample collected on 06.04.2020)

Parameters 2018 2019 2020 Remarks

Comparison Comparison between between April 2019 March 2020 and April (Pre- 2020) lockdown) and April 2020 ( Lockdown Period) March April March April March* April** Najafgarh Drain pH 7.3 7.2 7.4 7.3 7.3 7.3 -

19 SS, mg/l 282 264 201 200 152 106 Decrease Decrease (47 %) (30.26 %) BOD, mg/l 50 62 128 90 78 55 (Decrease Decrease (38.89 %) (29.49 %) COD, mg/l 319 258 314 316 271 150 Decrease Decrease (52.53 %) (44.65 %) Conductivity, - - - - - 1501 - - µs/cm Shahdara Drain pH 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.1 7.1 7.2 Increase in Increase in Alkalinity Alkalinity (9.86 %) (9.86%) SS, mg/l 276 260 481 380 464 305 Decrease Decrease (19.74) (34.27 %) BOD, mg/l 46 56 114 128 163 89 Decrease Decrease (30.47 %) (45.4%) COD, mg/l 296 311 551 412 574 383 Decrease Decrease (7.04 %) (33.28 %) Conductivity, - - - - - 1657 - - µs/cm Note:**Pre lockdown(04.03.2020) ***Post lockdown (06.04.2020)

Water Quality of River Yamuna and Two Drains With Respect to pH 10 8.7 9 7.8 8 7.3 7.2 7.2 7.1 7.3 7.3 7.1 7.2 7 pH March 2020 6 (Pre-Lockdown) 5 pH pH April 2020 4 (Lockdown) 3 2 1 0 Palla Nizamuddin Okhla (U/S) Najafgarh DrainShahdara Drain (River Yamuna) Bridge (River (River Yamuna) Yamuna) Sampling Locations

Figure 2: Water Quality of River Yamuna with respect to pH (Pre-Lockdown and During Lockdown)

20 Water Quality of River Yamuna With Respect to DO (mg/L) 18 17.1 16 DO (mg/L) 14 March 2020 12 (Pre - Lockdown) 10 8.3 8 DO (mg/L) April 2020 6 (Lockdown) 4 2.4 1.2 DO (mg/L)DO 2 0 0 PWQC Limit 0 Palla Nizamuddin Okhla (U/S) Bridge

Sampling Locations

Figure 3: Water Quality of River Yamuna with respect to DO (during Pre-Lockdown and Lockdown)

Water Quality of River Yamuna and Two Drains with respect to BOD

180 (mg/L) 163 160 140 BOD (mg/L) 120 March 2020 (Pre- 100 89 78 Lockdown) 80 57 55 60

BOD (mg/L)BOD BOD (mg/L) 40 27 April 2020 (Lockdown) 20 7.9 2 5.6 6.1 Water Quality Criteria – BOD -3 mg/l or less 0 Palla Nizamuddin Okhla (U/S) Najafgarh Shahdara (River Bridge (River Drain Drain Yamuna) (River Yamuna) Yamuna) Sampling Locations

Figure 4: Water Quality Trend of River Yamuna and Two Drains with respect to BOD(during Pre-Lockdown and Lockdown)

21 Water Quality of River Yamuna and Two Drains with respect to COD 700 (mg/L) 574 600 500 COD (mg/L) 383 March 2020 400 271 (Pre- 300 Lockdown) 200 150 90 95 COD (mg/L) 100 COD (mg/L) COD 28 6 16 18 April 2020 0 (Lockdown) Palla Nizamuddin Okhla (U/S) Najafgarh Shahdara (River Bridge (River Drain Drain Yamuna) (River Yamuna) Yamuna) Sampling Locations

Figure 5: Water Quality Trend of River Yamuna and Two Drains with respect to COD (during Pre-Lockdown and Lockdown )

Water Quality of River Yamuna and Two Drains with respect to 1800 Conductivity (µS/cm) 1657 1600 1501 1369 Conductivity 1400 (µS/cm) 1200 March 2020 (Pre- 1000 861 Lockdown) 800 668 600 460 488 Conductivity (µS/cm) April 400 273 2020 Conductivity (µS/cm) Conductivity 200 (Lockdown) 0 Palla Nizamuddin Okhla (U/S) Najafgarh Shahdara (River Bridge (River Drain Drain Yamuna) (River Yamuna) Yamuna) Locations

Figure 6: Water Quality Trend of River Yamuna and Two Drains with respect to EC (During Pre-Lockdown and Lockdown)

4. FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS

Based on the field study and analytical results, following findings/observations are made:

(i) During the visit on 06/04/2020, as informed by Delhi Jal Board (DJB), about 4145 cusec (hourly average) of fresh water is being releasedinto

22 river Yamuna from Wazirabad barrage, which is mainly due to (i) non- availability of adequate storage capacity at Wazirabad Barrage, (ii) more discharge of fresh water from Hathnikund Barrage, and (iii) unexpected or unseasonal snowfall or rainfall on U/s portion of river Yamunaand monthly average discharge of fresh water from Wazirabad barrage during the month of March, 2020 is 4863 cusecs. Maximum discharge of fresh water of 15,950 cusecs to river Yamuna was recorded on 16.03.2020. It was also observed that during last week of February, 2020 and first week of March, 2020, fresh water release from Wazirabad barrage were less than 1000 cusecs.Details of fresh water discharge fresh water from Wazirabad Barrage into river Yamuna for the months of February, March and April, 2020 is annexed (Annexure-II).

(ii) In view of the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic, most of the industries located in Delhi are not in operation at present, total waste water discharge (both treated and untreated domestic sewage) from Delhi into river Yamuna is expected to be around 2990 MLD against estimated total wastewater discharge (both domestic and industrial wastewater) of 3026 MLD into river Yamuna during the pre-lockdown period (before 24.03.2020).

(iii) The analysis results of collected water samples on 06.04.2020 during the lockdown period at Palla, Nizamuddin Bridge, OkhlaBarrage U/s as well as Najafgarh Drain and Shahdara Drain are given in subsequent paras:-

Pre-lockdown period (i.e., before 23.03.2020) (in March 2020) and Lockdown Period (06.04.2020):-

At Palla, during pre-lockdown period in March 2020, the analysis results showed pH (8.7), EC (668 µs/cm), BOD (.7.9 mg/L), DO (17.1 mg/L), and COD (28 mg/L)whereas the analysis results during the lockdown period (on 06.04.2020) showed pH (7.8), EC (273 µs/cm), BOD (2 mg/L), DO (8.3 mg/L) and COD (6 mg/L) and complying to the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing w.r.t analyzed parameters pH, DO and BOD which shows improvement in water quality of river Yamuna at Palla. Also, comparative analysis results during pre-lockdown and lockdown

23 periodreveals thatthere is a considerable decrease in concentrationof parameters i.e., EC (59.18 %), DO (51.46 %), BOD (74.69 %) and COD (78.57 %) which may be attributed to fresh water flow from upstream of river Yamuna and no human activity or industrial effluent discharge due to lockdown in view of COVID-19 pandemic.

At Nizamuddin Bridge, during pre-lockdown period in March 2020, the analysis results showed pH (7.3), EC (1369 µs/cm), BOD (.57 mg/L), DO (not detected), and COD (90 mg/L) whereas the analysis results during the lockdown period (on 06.04.2020) showed pH (7.2), EC (460 µs/cm), BOD (5.6 mg/L), DO (2.4 mg/L) and COD (16 mg/L) and not complying to the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing w.r.t analyzed parameters of DO and BOD. Comparative analysis results during pre- lockdown and during lockdown reveal that there is a substantial decrease in concentration of parameters particularly w.r.t EC ( 66.40 %), BOD (90.18 %) and COD (82.22 %) which can be attributed to contribution of mainly from 14 drains discharging both treated and untreated sewage, no industrial effluent discharges from the industrial areas or no other human activities such as bathing, throwing of worship materials or solid waste and fresh water discharges from U/s of river Yamuna.

At U/s of Okhla Barrage, during pre-lockdown period in March 2020, the analysis results showed pH (7.2), EC (861 µs/cm), BOD (.27 mg/L), DO (not detected), and COD (95 mg/L) whereas the analysis results during the lockdown period (on 06.04.2020) showed pH (7.1), EC (488 µs/cm), BOD (6.1 mg/L), DO (1.2 mg/L) and COD (18 mg/L) and not complying to the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing w.r.t analyzed parameters such as DO and BOD. Comparative analysis results (pre- lockdown and lockdown period)reveal that there is considerable decrease in concentration of parameters w.rt analyzed parameters viz., EC(43.32 %), BOD (77.41 %) and COD (81.05 %) which can be attributed to contribution only from two drains carrying both treated or untreated sewage, no industrial effluent discharges and there is a river Yamuna stretch of about 7.5 KM (after Nizamuddin Bridge) and might be helping in self-purification of river Yamuna.

24 At Najafgarh Drain ( whichdischarges 1938 MLD of wastewater into river Yamuna), during pre-lockdown period in March 2020, the analysis results showed pH (7.3), SS (152 mg/L), BOD (78 mg/L), COD (271 mg/L) whereas the analysis results during the lockdown period (on 06.04.2020) showed pH (7.3), SS (106 mg/L), EC (1501 µs/cm), BOD (55 mg/L), and COD (150 mg/L) Also, comparative analysis results (pre-lockdown and lockdown period) reveal that there is decrease in concentration of analyzed parameters i.e., SS (30.26 %), BOD (29.49 %), and COD (44.65 %) which can be attributed to carrying of untreated and treated sewage.

At Shahdara Drain, during pre-lockdown period in March 2020, the analysis results showed pH (7.1), SS (464 mg/L), BOD (163 mg/L), COD (574 mg/L) whereas the analysis results during the lockdown period (on 06.04.2020) showed pH (7.2), SS (305 mg/L), EC (1657 µs/cm), BOD (89 mg/L) and COD (303 mg/L) Also, comparative analysis results (pre- lockdown and lockdown period) reveal that there is decrease in concentration of analyzed parameters i.e., slight increase in alkalinity, SS (34.27 %), BOD (45.4 %) and COD (33.28 %).

5. Conclusion

Above analysis results indicatethere is considerable improvement in water quality of river Yamuna (with respect to DO, BOD and COD when compared with pre- lockdown and lockdown period)at all the three monitored locationsof river Yamuna.However, water quality of river Yamuna at Nizamudding and Okhla U/s not meeting the Primary water quality criteria for bathing standards with respect to DO and BOD.

Post –lock down, improvement in water quality can be attributed to (i) release of fresh water from Wazirabad Barrage and availability of dilution in river Yamuna, ii) no industrial effluent discharge (about 35.9 MLD) at present due to lockdown in view ofCOVID-19 pandemic; (iii) Good penetration of solar radiation in water body can be expected due to washing out of bottom sediments as well as settleable and colloidal form of pollutants in river Yamuna, and (iv) Human activity such as throwing of Pooja materials, solid waste disposal, bathing, washing of clothes etc.minimized due to the ongoing lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. -- OO --

25 ANNEXURE-I

PHOTOGRAPHS OF RIVER YAMUNA (06.04.2020)

Figure 1: River Yamuna at Wazirabad Barrage

Figure 2: Najafgarh Drain

26 River Yamuna at Najafgarh Drain D/s Wazirabad Barrage

Figure 3: Confluence of Najafgarh Drain with River Yamuna at D/s Wazirabad Barrage

Figure 4: River Yamuna at D/s of ITO Barrage

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Figure 5: Hindon Cut Canal

Figure 6: River Yamuna at Kalindi Kunj

28 ANNEXURE-II

FRESH WATER DISCHARGE FROM WAZIRABAD BARRAGE INTO RIVER YAMUNA ( IN CUSEC)

Date Daily Discharge of Average Hourly the Day in Cusec Discharge Rate in Cusec During the Day 01.02.2020 26000.00 1083.33 02.02.2020 42400.00 1766.67 03.02.2020 3800.00 158.33 04.02.2020 26600.00 1108.33 05.02.2020 25400.00 1058.33 06.02.2020 22800.00 950.00 07.02.2020 26800.00 1116.67 08.02.2020 30000.00 1250.00 09.02.2020 28000.00 1166.67 10.02.2020 18600.00 775.00 11.02.2020 20600.00 858.33 12.02.2020 21600.00 900.00 13.02.2020 15600.00 650.00 14.02.2020 15200.00 633.33 15.02.2020 10600.00 441.67 16.02.2020 9600.00 400.00 17.02.2020 7800.00 325.00 18.02.2020 7600.00 316.67 19.02.2020 12400.00 516.67 20.02.2020 13800.00 575.00 21.02.2020 9400.00 391.67 22.02.2020 11600.00 483.33 23.02.2020 13400.00 558.33 24.02.2020 25800.00 1075.00 25.02.2020 31400.00 1308.33 26.02.2020 26400.00 1100.00 27.02.2020 21200.00 883.33 28.02.2020 16000.00 666.67 29.02.2020 12200.00 508.33 Total Discharge 552600.00 23025.00 Avg. Discharge 19055.17 793.97

Date Daily Discharge of the Average Hourly Day in Cusec Discharge Rate in Cusec During the Day 01.03.2020 13600.00 566.67

29 Date Daily Discharge of the Average Hourly Day in Cusec Discharge Rate in Cusec During the Day 02.03.2020 14400.00 600.00 03.03.2020 12000.00 500.00 04.03.2020 9600.00 400.00 05.03.2020 10000.00 416.67 06.03.2020 18600.00 775.00 07.03.2020 19800.00 825.00 08.03.2020 20000.00 833.33 09.03.2020 23600.00 983.33 10.03.2020 68200.00 2841.67 11.03.2020 115200.00 4800.00 12.03.2020 103600.00 4316.67 13.03.2020 92000.00 3833.33 14.03.2020 74400.00 3100.00 15.03.2020 169600.00 7066.67 16.03.2020 382800.00 15950.00 17.03.2020 324000.00 13500.00 18.03.2020 235600.00 9816.67 19.03.2020 209600.00 8733.33 20.03.2020 178400.00 7433.33 21.03.2020 172800.00 7200.00 22.03.2020 154000.00 6416.67 23.03.2020 116800.00 4866.67 24.03.2020 129200.00 5383.33 25.03.2020 123200.00 5133.33 26.03.2020 106800.00 4450.00 27.03.2020 104400.00 4350.00 28.03.2020 124400.00 5183.33 29.03.2020 142800.00 5950.00 30.03.2020 152400.00 6350.00 31.03.2020 196400.00 8183.33 Total Discharge 3618200.00 150758.33 Monthly Average Discharge Rate 116716.13 4863.17

Date Daily Discharge of the Average Hourly Day in Cusec Discharge Rate in Cusec During the Day 01.04.2020 178000.00 7416.67 02.04.2020 142000.00 5916.67 03.04.2020 140800.00 5866.67 04.04.2020 136400.00 5683.33

30 05.04.2020 118800.00 4950.00 06.04.2020 45600.00 4145.45 Total Discharge 761600.00 33978.79 Avg. Discharge* 152320.00 6795.76

Source:- Delhi Jal Board (DJB)

31

Shailaja Chandra B. S. Sajwan Member, Member, Monitoring Committee for Yamuna Monitoring Committee for Yamuna

Address: Room No. 58, India International Centre 40, Max Mueller Marg, – 110003 Telephone No: 011- 24609270 Email id: [email protected]

Disclaimer: All the contents of this document are under Copyright.

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