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