High level of ammonia in Yamuna hits water supply

Water supply in several areas, including the Lutyens’ zone, was affected on Friday as a spurt in ammonia level in the Yamuna left its water beyond treatment, forcing the closure of Wazirabad and Chandrawal plants once again. This prompted the 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 on Thursday. 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 Bhartiji and she has promised to take up the matter with Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar,” Mr Mishra said.

Water supply will be severely affected in NDMC areas which includes the Lutyens’ zone, North Delhi, northwest Delhi, Central Delhi and parts of West and South Delhi.