Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled the state’s budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on March 25, 2025. A notable highlight of this budget is the allocation of ₹500 crore dedicated to the development of 40 decentralized sewage treatment plants (STPs). This initiative aims to ensure that untreated sewage is no longer discharged directly into the Yamuna.
CM Rekha Gupta’s Commitment to Cleaning the Yamuna
During her budget presentation, CM Rekha Gupta emphasized on the cultural and environmental significance of the Yamuna River. She stated, “Today, the Yamuna is struggling with sewage and polluted water. We are committed to cleaning the Yamuna River. It is not just a river for us; it is our cultural heritage.”
Additional Investments in Sewage Infrastructure
In addition to the ₹500 crore earmarked for the new STPs, the budget outlines further investments to enhance Delhi’s sewage infrastructure:
- Repair and Upgradation of Existing STPs: An additional ₹500 crore has been allocated for the repair and modernization of current sewage treatment facilities. This effort aims to improve the efficiency and capacity of existing infrastructure.
- Replacement of Aged Sewer Lines: To address issues related to old and deteriorating sewer lines, ₹250 crore has been set aside for their replacement.
Delhi’s Broader Investment in Water and Sanitation
These initiatives are part of a broader commitment by the Delhi government to invest ₹9,000 crore in clean drinking water and sanitation projects across the city.
The 2025-26 budget, totaling ₹1 lakh crore, marks a historic 31.5% increase from the previous year. CM Gupta described it as a transformative budget aimed at steering Delhi towards economic recovery and development.
Impact of the New Sewage Treatment Plants
The ambitious plan to develop 40 decentralized STPs reflects the government’s proactive approach to environmental sustainability and public health. By preventing untreated sewage from entering the Yamuna, these measures are expected to significantly improve water quality.
