Finnish Dredger Launches Major Yamuna Cleanup Drive
Delhi's battle against Yamuna pollution took a significant step forward on Friday. A state-of-the-art dredger, imported from Finland at a cost of over Rs 8 crore, began its crucial work at the Najafgarh Drain.
Targeting the Primary Polluter
Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control, Parvesh Sahib Singh, personally launched the multipurpose Watermaster Amphibious Dredger. He emphasized that the Najafgarh Drain contributes nearly 70% of the total pollution load entering the Yamuna river. "Najafgarh Drain is the biggest contributor to Yamuna pollution," Singh stated firmly. "If we are serious about cleaning the river, this drain requires the best technology and continuous monitoring."
Advanced Machinery for a Complex Task
The newly deployed machine is a technological marvel designed for amphibious operations. Officials detailed its impressive specifications. It moves seamlessly between land and water using four stabilizers. A flexible excavator arm rotates a full 180 degrees, equipped with a substantial 600-litre backhoe bucket.
Its sludge-pumping capacity reaches 600 cubic metres every hour. The dredger can discharge this material over a distance of up to 1.5 kilometers, allowing for efficient waste management away from the immediate site.
Support Fleet and Future Plans
The launch included three self-propelled 'hopper' barges, deployed at an additional cost of Rs 5.25 crore. Each barge carries a 12-cubic-metre capacity. They will assist the primary dredger by removing dredged sludge, water hyacinth, and other floating debris from the drain.
Minister Singh outlined a broader vision beyond this initial deployment. The government plans to assess this dredger's performance closely. Based on the results, authorities will deploy more such advanced machines at other critical locations along the Yamuna and its tributary drains.
A Commitment to Sustained Action
"Cleaning the Yamuna is not just about announcements," Singh asserted, highlighting a shift towards tangible ground action. "The commissioning of this machine reflects our resolve. We are addressing pollution, improving drainage capacity, and aiming to prevent flooding with permanent, scientific solutions."
This initiative marks a focused attempt to tackle one of Delhi's most persistent environmental challenges at its most significant source.
