The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has taken a significant step toward enhancing water quality monitoring in the national capital by floating a tender for a mobile van capable of collecting data from any location. This initiative follows the earlier decision to install online continuous monitoring stations (OLMS) for real-time assessment of the Yamuna river and its drains.
Mobile Van to Supplement Manual Monitoring
Currently, water quality is assessed manually, with samples collected once a month. The mobile van, approved during DPCC's board meeting in December 2023, will enable authorities to identify pollution sources across the city, including the Yamuna stretch, drains, and industrial areas. An official confirmed that the tender for supply, installation, and commissioning of the van has been issued recently.
Board Meeting Decisions
During the board meeting on December 14, 2023, DPCC decided to set up 10 OLMS and one mobile laboratory. The minutes noted that this would be adequate to monitor water quality improvements. However, the Delhi government later expanded the plan to include a total of 41 OLMS, with six dedicated to monitoring pollution load on the river and 35 for major drains.
Current Monitoring Practices
The 22-km urban stretch of Yamuna from Wazirabad to Okhla is the most polluted, contributing nearly 75% of total pollution. At present, water samples are manually collected monthly from eight locations: Palla, Wazirabad, ISBT Bridge, ITO Bridge, Nizamuddin Bridge, Okhla Barrage, Agra Canal at Okhla Barrage, and River Yamuna at Asgarpur. Parameters tested include pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), and faecal coliform. Additionally, DPCC analyzes phosphate and surfactant levels, which contribute to froth formation.
Beyond the river and drains, DPCC also monitors samples from sewage treatment plants and common effluent treatment plants.
Limitations of OLMS
Officials clarified that OLMS will not measure faecal coliform, a key indicator of raw sewage. This parameter will continue to be monitored manually. Manual monitoring of the river and drains will persist alongside OLMS operations.
This multi-pronged approach aims to enhance data accuracy and responsiveness in tackling pollution in the Yamuna and associated water bodies.
