Solid waste dumped at 33 spots along Yamuna-linked drains: CPCB report
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have found solid waste dumped at 33 locations along the Shahdara and Sahibi drains, which join the Yamuna river. The report was submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in response to a case about waste from Okhla landfill being dumped near the Yamuna. This highlights ongoing pollution in the Yamuna and its tributaries.
Background
The Yamuna river is highly polluted, especially in the Delhi stretch, due to untreated sewage and industrial effluents. Drains like Shahdara and Sahibi (Najafgarh drain) carry waste into the river. The NGT has been monitoring pollution and directing authorities to take action.
Key facts
Solid waste was found at 33 locations along Shahdara and Sahibi drains between May 2025 and April 2026.
The assessment was conducted by CPCB and DPCC.
52 locations across Sahibi river (Najafgarh drain) and Shahdara drain, along with sub-drains, were monitored monthly.
The report was submitted to NGT in response to a case about waste from Okhla landfill being dumped near Yamuna.
CPCB forwarded the report to NMCG, DJB, MCD, DPCC, Haryana SPCB, and UP SPCB for action.
DPCC asked multiple agencies (I&FCD, CPWD, PWD, GNCTD, DDA, NDMC, UDD, DSIIDC, Delhi Cantonment Board) to submit action taken reports.
CPCB and NMCG identified the need to expand water quality monitoring network for Yamuna and its major drains.
Prelims pointers
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC)
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Shahdara drain
- Sahibi river (Najafgarh drain)
- Okhla landfill
- Yamuna river
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: River pollution, solid waste management, and role of regulatory bodies.
- GS2 Polity: Role of NGT and constitutional bodies like CPCB in environmental governance.
- GS3 Disaster Management: Inter-agency coordination for pollution control.