Delhi government plans Yamuna Task Force to curb encroachment, dumping

The Delhi government is considering the formation of a Yamuna Task Force in collaboration with the Territorial Army to prevent encroachments on the river’s floodplains, illegal dumping of waste, and other violations.

PWD and Water Minister Parvesh Verma stated that he had discussed the initiative with the Territorial Army. The proposed task force will be dedicated to protecting the Yamuna floodplains, preventing encroachments, stopping illegal dumping of debris and waste, and ensuring strict enforcement of environmental regulations.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the double-engine BJP government, we are committed to restoring the Yamuna and protecting its floodplains. For years, illegal encroachments and waste dumping have choked the river,” said Verma.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is also expected to formally communicate with the Territorial Army regarding this initiative. According to the minister, the Delhi government will fully fund the task force, which will focus on regular patrolling, preventing unauthorised construction, and ensuring waste and construction debris are not dumped along the riverbanks.

Verma emphasised that with the BJP-led Centre and Delhi government working in sync, the Yamuna Task Force will be a game-changer in restoring the river’s ecological balance, curbing pollution, and ensuring sustainable land use.

In 2023, a Territorial Army company was deployed to monitor and enforce actions against untrapped drains polluting the Yamuna but was later withdrawn. The BJP’s ‘Viksit Delhi Sankalp Patra’ manifesto for the February Assembly elections had promised to clean and rejuvenate the Yamuna. The manifesto also proposed the creation of a 'Yamuna Kosh' to ensure full wastewater treatment before it enters the river.

Additionally, the BJP government plans to work with the Centre to develop a Yamuna Riverfront modeled on Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront while promoting biodiversity through green corridors, wetlands, and buffer zones.

Following the BJP’s Assembly poll victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his commitment to restoring the Yamuna:

“I pledged during the election campaign that we will make Yamuna Ji the identity of Delhi. I know this task is challenging and will take time. But no matter how much time or effort it takes, we will do everything possible to serve the Yamuna,” he said at the BJP’s victory celebration.