DJB, University of Virginia to work together to rejuvenate Yamuna

Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Virginia on the 'Yamuna River Project' to rehabilitate the pollution-choked Yamuna River.

The initiative by DJB is one of the most ambitious projects in the national Capital and is believed to be a huge step towards the transformation of Delhi's natural water resources

An exhibition to showcase the three years of work done by the University, with the ministry of water resources and DJB was unveiled on Wednesday, with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and University of Virginia president Teresa A Sullivan.

The exhibition aims to be a catalyst for the urgent recovery of the Yamuna and its tributaries, building a publicly accessible body of information and expertise, and visions of what an alternative future would be.

According to DJB, the focus in first phase will be Najafgarh drain basin, the largest of the three watersheds in Delhi with over 140 drains, followed by Barapulla and Shahdara. Presently, Najafgarh drain contributes to 60 per cent of Yamuna's pollution.

Researchers from the University have already visited various spots on the Najafgarh drain stretch. The project includes cleaning of the drain. It will be followed by "space making," which means creating space in the vicinity of a water body and including it in the urban planning mechanism so people don't litter around them.

"The project is expected to bring about a paradigm shift by using sustainable bio-remediation technologies to clean water and robust long-term management strateges to create city-level assets for all. DJB has undertaken the project with the department of Irrigation and flood control (I&FC) as an important delivery partner," said a senior official of DJB.