DJB Denies Kejriwal’s 'Poison in Water' Claim, Explains Seasonal Ammonia Variations in Yamuna

He has also described it as a case of "water terrorism" in a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Delhi Jal Board (DJB) reacted to allegations by former Delhi Chief Minister and convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal, who alleged that the Haryana government was releasing "poison" into the raw water flowing into the national capital.

He has also described it as a case of "water terrorism" in a letter to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

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DJB dismissed these allegations and said, "These statements are factually incorrect, without any basis and misleading."

DJB has said that the quality of the incoming water is regularly monitored, and supplies adjusted according to various parameters of water quality.

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The Board explained that ammonia in the Yamuna River normally builds up during winter months, say between October to February.

The DJB clarified that its Water Treatment Plants are designed to treat ammonia levels up to 1 ppm and can also handle ammonia concentrations between 2 and 2.5 ppm by dilution with water from the Carrier Line Channel (CLC) and Delhi Sub Branch (DSB).

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According to DJB, ammonia elevation is caused mainly by the confluence of untreated sewage or industrial waste upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage, exacerbated by lower water flow during winter months, especially during the post-monsoon period.

"This year also, the ammonia started increasing from October month," added the statement, further explaining the current situation.

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While ammonia levels in the river reached 6.5 ppm at Wazirabad pond, DJB noted that the treatment plants at Wazirabad and Chandrawal were still operational, although with a reduced capacity. Due to the high ammonia levels, production at these plants has been curtailed by about 15 to 20 per cent.

DJB reassured the public that such measures were routine and had been taken in past winters to maintain water quality.

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It further emphasized that the Haryana officials have been very actively engaged in addressing the problem.

"Haryana officials have taken up a work to lay the pipeline at DD-6 in compliance to NGT orders so that the untreated sewage of DD-6 should not mix up with DD-8," it said, which will reduce the ammonia issue going ahead.

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According to DJB, samples collected upstream of Wazirabad Pond revealed the levels were down ward in nature. With a passage of two more days, it will continue to decrease in order, which may prove effective enough. Production in all the water treatment plants would become normal.

DJB also commented on the influence of the accusations, saying false claims like this one contribute to fear-mongering among Delhiites and damage inter-state relations with Haryana.

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"Given that the matter is bound to affect inter-state relations, these facts may be brought to the notice of the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor in terms of the Transaction of Business Rules," the statement added.

The DJB also included ammonia level data for December 2024 and January 2025, which fluctuated, and assured the public that the situation was closely monitored.

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