NEW DELHI: The Yamuna River has once again recorded elevated ammonia levels, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Delhi’s water supply, officials from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) confirmed on Wednesday.
The surge in ammonia, attributed to industrial discharge from upstream Haryana, poses a significant challenge for water treatment. While Wednesday’s supply remained unaffected, officials warned that fluctuating levels could strain water distribution in the coming days.
According to sources, ammonia concentrations varied throughout the day, peaking at 6.5 ppm in the morning—far exceeding DJB’s treatment threshold of 1 ppm. By 6 PM, levels had slightly dropped to 6.1 ppm, before dipping below 3 ppm later in the evening.
“The ammonia levels spiked temporarily but have since shown a downward trend. There was no impact on water production since we receive additional water from the Munak Canal, which helps dilute ammonia at Wazirabad,” an official stated anonymously.
Ammonia fluctuations are common during winter, with previous readings showing 8.4 ppm on February 25 and 7.5 ppm on March 1. DJB has repeatedly raised concerns about Haryana releasing untreated, ammonia-laden water into the Yamuna, exacerbating Delhi’s water crisis.
Despite plans to construct an ammonia treatment facility at Wazirabad, initially slated for completion in 2023, the project remains stalled. The issue has also been a political flashpoint, with the AAP and BJP clashing over accountability, particularly during recent assembly elections.
Persistent ammonia surges continue to strain DJB’s operations, as high concentrations hamper water treatment efficiency and risk plant shutdowns, potentially leaving millions of residents without water.
