The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) dismissed allegations by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal accused the Haryana government of releasing “poison” into Delhi’s water and called it “water terrorism” in a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The DJB called these claims “factually incorrect, without basis, and misleading.” It assured the public that it monitors water quality regularly and adjusts supplies based on ammonia levels.
DJB Clarifies Rising Ammonia Levels In Yamuna River
The DJB explained that ammonia levels in the Yamuna River rise naturally during winter, especially between October and February. This happens due to untreated sewage and industrial waste mixing upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage. Reduced water flow after the monsoon worsens the situation.
The DJB said its water treatment plants can handle ammonia levels up to 1 ppm. It manages higher concentrations of 2-2.5 ppm by diluting water using the Carrier Line Channel (CLC) and Delhi Sub Branch (DSB). Ammonia levels this year reached 6.5 ppm at Wazirabad Pond, forcing a 15-20% reduction in production at the Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants.
Haryana’s Efforts and DJB’s Measures
Haryana officials are laying a pipeline at DD-6, as ordered by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This will prevent untreated sewage from mixing with DD-8. The DJB said recent samples upstream of Wazirabad Pond show declining ammonia levels. It expects the situation to improve soon.
The DJB emphasized that such measures are routine in winter and reassured the public. It criticized Kejriwal’s allegations, stating they spread fear and harm Delhi-Haryana relations.
The Board urged authorities to bring the matter to the Lieutenant Governor under the Transaction of Business Rules. It also shared ammonia level data for December 2024 and January 2025, confirming that the issue is under control and closely monitored.