Sheila seeks help of neighbouring states to keep Yamuna clean

New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today sought cooperation of the neighbouring states to keep the river Yamuna clean.

Pollution of the Yamuna still remained a major challenge. There were many reasons for this out of which discharge of sewage from unplanned/non sewered areas and lack of fresh water in the river down stream of Wazirabad were two major ones, she said speaking at the the National Development Council Meeting here.

To ensure that sufficient fresh water was available throughout the year, it was necessary that Delhi received the cooperation of the neighbouring states by way of release of water in the Yamuna as allocated and agreed for the Capital city, she said.

''Unless this happenes appropriate dilution of water down stream of Wazirabad will not be possible. For this we require completion of the identified reservoir projects by Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal and UP governments as per Yamuna Water Sharing Agreement 1994.'' ''We, therefore, look forward to the Central government and the chief ministers of the adjoining states for cooperation in taking up a joint mission for rejuvenation of the Yamuna river,'' she added.

UNI IP YA VV1738