Spurt in ammonia level in Yamuna, hits water supply in Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 22: A spurt in ammonia level in Yamuna has left its water beyond treatment forcing the closure of Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants, and severely affecting areas falling under NDMC including Lutyens' zone.

The development has prompted the Delhi government to take up the matter with Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti.

"Both plants closed again due to again high levels of ammonia. I have called a high-level emergency DJB meeting at Wazirabad plant at 8:30 PM," Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra tweeted.

The plants, which serve water to large parts of the capital, were made partially functional yesterday. Authorities were forced to close them first on the evening of January 19.

"The level of ammonia is between 2-2.5 ppm (parts per million). I have spoken to Uma Bharti ji and she has promised to take up the matter with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar," Mishra said.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Secretary KK Sharma had written to his Haryana counterpart apprising him of the "deteriorating" water quality and sought his intervention for taking necessary steps to prevent entry of pollutants in downstream Yamuna.

Water supply will be severely affected in New Delhi Municipal Corporation areas which includes the Lutyens' zone, North Delhi, North West Delhi, Central Delhi and parts of West and South Delhi.

Water tankers will be available at telephone no.s:

29941825 (Sarita Vihar),

26100644 (R K Puram),

29234746, 29234747 (Greater Kailash I),

23814338, 23810930 (Chandrawal Water Emergency),

27304656 (Ashok Vihar Water Emergency),

27700789, 27700474 (Holambi Kalan),

25274679, 25275259, 25275260 (Paschim Vihar),

and 1916, 23538495, 23527679 (Central Control Room).

PTI