Ammonia Pollution in Yamuna

January 31, 2025

Recent events have brought into light the ongoing water crisis affecting Delhi, primarily due to ammonia pollution in the Yamuna River. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Haryana government of releasing excessive ammonia levels, which jeopardises the water supply for millions of Delhi residents. This situation has sparked a political and environmental debate over the management of the river and its tributaries.

About Ammonia Pollution

Ammonia is a colourless gas with a pungent odour.
It is used in various industrial applications, including fertilisers and cleaning agents.
Major sources of ammonia pollution include agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and untreated sewage.
When ammonia levels rise in water bodies, they can severely affect water quality.

Impact on Water Supply

In the Yamuna, where pollution levels often exceed treatment plant capacities. The Delhi Jal Board can only process water with ammonia levels below one part per million (ppm). Elevated ammonia levels lead to disruptions in the water supply, especially during winter months when freshwater inflow is minimal. This results in a public health concern as residents rely on treated water for daily needs.

Treatment Processes for Ammonia-Laden Water

To manage ammonia levels, the Delhi Jal Board employs chlorine treatment.
Approximately 11.5 kg of chlorine is required per litre of water to neutralise one ppm of ammonical nitrogen.
The treatment process must ensure residual chlorine remains in the water to eliminate pathogens.
However, increased ammonia levels reduce the efficiency of this treatment, complicating the water supply situation.

Government Responses

Efforts to address the ammonia crisis have been inadequate. The Delhi government proposed an ammonia treatment plant at Wazirabad in March 2023, but it is still under development. The Haryana government has also been slow in implementing measures to prevent pollution from industrial sources. Collaborative action between both states is essential to mitigate this environmental crisis.

The Yamuna River System

The Yamuna River is one of India’s most rivers, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand.
It flows through several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi, before merging with the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
The river supports diverse ecosystems and is vital for agriculture and drinking water supply in the region.

Tributaries of the Yamuna River

The Yamuna has several major tributaries, including the Tons, Giri, Hindon, and Chambal rivers. These tributaries contribute to the river’s flow and ecosystem. Each tributary has its unique characteristics and plays a role in the overall health of the Yamuna River System.

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