The Haryana government on Wednesday announced a mission to make the 313-kilometre stretch of the Yamuna River flowing through the state pollution-free. The state government has also proposed a Rs 100-crore climate fund. Ahead of the state-level World Environment Day celebrations scheduled for June 5, the government launched the mission-mode programme with a target of ensuring scientific treatment of water from all drains entering the river by the end of the 2026-27 financial year.
Mission Details and Leadership
The initiative, to be chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, was announced by Forest and Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh amid continuing concerns over untreated sewage and industrial effluents entering drains that eventually discharge into the Yamuna. Official records reviewed by The Times of India recently showed substantial gaps in sewage collection and treatment infrastructure, particularly in Gurgaon. Improving the river's health is a key environmental priority for the state, Rao said.
The city currently has 12 operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a combined treatment capacity of 415 million litres per day (MLD). However, only around 388 MLD of sewage reaches these facilities despite sewage generation having touched approximately 433 MLD. Officials estimate that nearly 287 MLD of untreated sewage is currently flowing through drains across Gurgaon, highlighting the scale of wastewater that remains outside the formal sewerage and treatment network.
Government's Commitment
Announcing the Yamuna mission, Rao said the state government would work in a special mission mode to improve water quality and eliminate major sources of pollution affecting the river. The government initiated a special mission to make Yamuna pollution-free. During 2026-27, scientific treatment of water flowing through all drains entering the river will be ensured, Rao said.
According to the government, the programme will focus on increasing sewage treatment capacity, preventing untreated sewage and waste discharge into the river, real-time monitoring of industrial units, conservation and rejuvenation of riverbanks, development of green belts, and groundwater recharge measures.
Coordinated Action and Monitoring
Officials said the mission would involve coordinated action across multiple departments and agencies, supported by continuous monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent municipal and industrial pollution from entering the river. Rao said the Yamuna remains a critical source of water and supports the livelihoods of millions of people.
Climate Fund and Environmental Agenda
The announcement was made alongside the government's broader climate and environmental agenda. Rao said Haryana has proposed the establishment of the Haryana Green Climate Resilient Fund in the 2026-27 budget to support climate adaptation and environmental protection measures. The fund, worth Rs 100 crore, will be used to promote zero-emission vehicles, renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, urban greening, climate-resilient agriculture, and nature-based solutions. The government said it would also help address air and water pollution challenges while encouraging innovation-driven investments in environmental protection.
World Environment Day Theme
Rao said this year's World Environment Day theme, Inspired by Nature – For Climate, For Our Future, underscores the need for ecosystem conservation, restoration, clean energy adoption, and sustainable lifestyles.
Broader Goals and Citizen Appeal
Officials said the Yamuna mission aligns with the state's broader goals of ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Besides improving water quality, the programme is expected to support biodiversity conservation and strengthen the ecological health of the river corridor. Rao appealed to citizens, industries, and local bodies to actively support the initiative and reduce pollution loads entering the river system. The success of the mission, however, will depend on plugging gaps in sewerage networks, bringing untreated wastewater under treatment systems, and ensuring strict compliance by urban local bodies and industrial units across the Yamuna basin in Haryana.
