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Yamuna Water Dispute: Political Row Over Ammonia Pollution in Delhi’s Supply

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(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 18)

Topic: GS3 – Environment
Context
● The water dispute between Delhi and Haryana escalated when AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Haryana government of “poisoning” Delhi’s water supply.

 Analysis of the news:

What is Ammonia?

  • Ammonia is a colourless, gaseous chemical with a sharp odour, highly soluble in water. It is widely used in industries, agriculture, and manufacturing.
  • Major sources of ammonia pollution include industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
  • It can also form naturally due to organic matter degradation. Prolonged exposure can cause severe internal organ damage due to its corrosive properties.

Impact of Ammonia on Delhi’s Water Supply

  • Industrial units and sewage discharges in Haryana’s Panipat and Sonipat districts pollute the Yamuna before it reaches Delhi at Wazirabad.
  • This reduces dissolved oxygen levels to zero, especially in winter when freshwater flow is minimal.
  • High ammonia levels hinder the efficiency of water treatment plants, leading to water shortages in the capital.

Government Responses and Challenges

  • Delhi’s water treatment plants use chlorine to neutralize ammonia, requiring 11.5 kg per litre per hour for one ppm of ammonical nitrogen.
  • However, treatment plants cannot handle ammonia levels beyond one ppm, leading to water disruptions.
  • Despite multiple discussions, Delhi and Haryana have not found a permanent solution.
  • Delhi proposed an in-situ ammonia treatment plant in Wazirabad in March 2023, but it remains incomplete.
  • Haryana is also yet to finalize a pipeline to prevent pollutant mixing.

Conclusion

  • The recurring issue of ammonia pollution in the Yamuna highlights both environmental and political challenges in Delhi’s water management.
  • While short-term measures like chlorine treatment help mitigate the crisis, the lack of a long-term solution continues to disrupt the capital’s water supply.
  • Effective coordination between the Delhi and Haryana governments, along with infrastructure upgrades, is crucial to ensuring safe and sustainable water for Delhi’s residents.
Practice Question:  The recurring issue of ammonia pollution in the Yamuna highlights the challenges of inter-state water management in India. Discuss the causes, impact, and possible solutions to ensure a sustainable and safe water supply for Delhi. (150 Words /10 marks)

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