NEW DELHI: Increased ammonia concentrations have been noticed in the Yamuna recently, Delhi Jal Board sources confirmed on Wednesday.
The elevated ammonia levels, stemming from industrial operations upstream in Haryana, may disrupt the water distribution in the city. However, the supply wasn’t affected on Wednesday, officials said.
Sources indicated that ammonia levels kept fluctuating on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, it was approximately 6.5ppm, substantially above DJB’s 1ppm treatment capability, and was 6.1ppm until 6pm. It fell to below 3ppm later in the evening.
“The level of ammonia had shot up for some time, but it is now largely on declining trends. There was no issue in terms of water production as we get additional water from Munak Canal to dilute it at Wazirabad,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.
Officials noted that ammonia levels typically fluctuated during the winter. According to sources, the ammonia measurements showed 8.4ppm on Feb 25 and 7.5ppm on March 1.
Since last year, DJB has expressed concerns about Haryana releasing water containing excessive ammonia into the Yamuna. The planned ammonia treatment facility at Wazirabad, due for completion by 2023, still remains unbuilt.
This matter became contentious between BJP and AAP during the recent assembly elections. Since last year, the ammonia levels have shown frequent variations, with this Jan experiencing severe conditions that ultimately involved Election Commission of India.
The previous AAP government proposed constructing an ammonia treatment plant at Wazirabad to address this concern, but the construction has not started.
Recent fluctuations have created operational challenges for DJB. Increased ammonia levels significantly reduce water treatment plants’ capacities, sometimes forcing complete shutdowns and disrupting the supply.
