Delhi to Deploy Nature-Based Solutions to Treat Polluted Drains Before Yamuna
New Delhi: In a renewed push to clean the Yamuna, the Delhi government will adopt nature-based solutions (NbS) to treat polluted water in several major drains before it enters the river. The eco-friendly initiative, approved last week by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), aims to address pollution at source by treating raw sewage on-site.
Under the plan, NbS measures will be implemented in the Shastri Park, Gaushala, Kailash Nagar and Ramesh Nagar drains. The approach involves the use of rock filters, stone masonry structures and aquatic plants to naturally purify wastewater flowing through these drains. Officials said the initiative will complement existing efforts such as setting up new sewage treatment plants (STPs) and strengthening older facilities.
An official from the Union Jal Shakti Ministry said that if the NbS approach proves successful in Delhi, it will be replicated in other cities over time. The official described NbS as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for ecosystem restoration and pollution abatement.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, nature-based solutions focus on protecting, conserving, restoring and sustainably managing natural or modified ecosystems to address environmental, social and economic challenges while enhancing biodiversity and human well-being.
The decision to deploy NbS in Delhi’s drains was taken by the NMCG, the central nodal agency responsible for river rejuvenation programmes for the Ganga and its tributaries, including the Yamuna. The concept has gained prominence in India over the past few years and was highlighted in the Union Budget 2023–24.
Following this, the government launched the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (MISHTI) to promote mangrove conservation, recognising their role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and natural coastal defence.
Our Final Thoughts
Nature-based solutions offer Delhi a sustainable path to reduce pollution load on the Yamuna. If implemented effectively, the initiative could mark a crucial shift toward greener, long-term river restoration strategies.