After air, now Delhi battles with water pollution

NEW DELHI: The capital is now witnessing water pollution with a rise in ammonia levels in the Yamuna water coming from Haryana. Unlike previous years, the spike has been registered very early in the winter this time. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said that the ammonia levels have gone above safe levels and that may impact the supply to many parts of the city in the next few days.

A DJB spokesperson said that the situation was relatively better from the last night when 25 per cent of the operational capacity of the three main water treatment plants was impacted.

The three water treatment plants that were affected were Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla plants. “The areas that will get low pressure water are north Delhi, central Delhi, parts of west Delhi, parts of south Delhi, Delhi Cantt areas and NDMC areas,” the DJB advisory read. Other four plants will be affected if adverse conditions persist.

DJB has a capacity to treat up to 0.9 parts per million (ppm) of ammonia in raw water, but neutralisation of ammonia with chlorine gas on a regular basis at such high levels leads to creation of toxic chlorine-based by-products, which should be avoided for human consumption. “Bureau of India Standards limit is 0.5ppm,” said an official. DJB has advised residents to use water judiciously and to call its central control room (1800117118) for any assistance.