Haryana Initiates Drone Mapping of Drains
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has commenced drone surveys of 11 drains and sub-drains that discharge into the Yamuna River, aiming to monitor real-time water quality and curb pollution. The board awarded a work order to Drishya, a government agency, to conduct the aerial mapping, which has already begun across the state.
Yamuna Pollution: A Persistent Concern
Pollution in the Yamuna has long been a contentious issue between Haryana and Delhi. In response, a special Yamuna Action Plan has been formulated, with both state governments working in mission mode to achieve a pollution-free river. The HSPCB recently compiled a detailed report on the 11 drains flowing through 34 towns that meet the Yamuna in Haryana.
Identified Drains and Discharge Points
According to HSPCB reports, the drains include Dhanaura drain in Yamunanagar and Karnal; Drain-2 in Panipat, meeting the river at Khojkipur village; Drain-6 in Sonipat; Mungeshpur drain; KCB drain; Drain-8 in Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar district; Leg-1, Leg-2, and Leg-3 drains in Gurugram; Budhiya Nala in Faridabad; and Gaunchi drain in Ballabgarh/Palwal. The board identified 51 discharge points on Drain-2 in Panipat, 54 in Karnal, 25 on Drain-6, 38 on Mungeshpur drain, 34 on KCB drain (Rohtak and Jhajjar), 14 on Drain-8 in Gurugram, three on Leg-1, five on Leg-3, and 26 illegal discharge points on Gaunchi drain.
Real-Time Monitoring via Drone Surveys
The HSPCB has launched an extensive action plan for real-time monitoring of domestic sewage, industrial effluent, and other waste in all 11 drains and their sub-drains. Through drone mapping, the board will identify all legal and illegal discharge points and assess water quality. The exact number of discharge points will enable action against violators, according to sources.
Official Statement on Mission Mode Approach
Yogesh Kumar, Member Secretary of HSPCB, stated, “The state government is very serious about curbing pollution in the Yamuna. Mapping of all 11 drains is being conducted across the state through drone surveys.” He added that a work order has been allotted for the drone survey, which will identify all legal and illegal discharge points, including sources of untreated domestic and industrial waste entering these drains. All agencies, including district administration, are working in mission mode, and Divisional Commissioners are regularly reviewing developments following directions from the Chief Secretary of Haryana.
