New Delhi, May 22 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday held a high-level meeting here and issued directions for the adoption of a holistic approach to clean the Yamuna river, ensure drinking water supply and improve sewage systems in Delhi.

During the meeting, Shah said, "Yamuna is not just a river, but also a symbol of faith, which is why its cleanliness is a priority for the Modi government," a Home Ministry statement said.

He said the Ministry of Jal Shakti should develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), establishing standards for their quality, maintenance, and discharge. He also emphasised that this SOP should also be shared with other states.

Shah stressed that plans for the Yamuna, drinking water, and drainage in Delhi should be made with a 20-year vision. He highlighted the crucial role of the Delhi Jal Board in cleaning the Yamuna and emphasised the need to strengthen it, directing immediate filling of vacant posts in the Board.

The Home Minister underscored the need to enhance Delhi’s water distribution efficiency, stating that effective water management is essential to ensure drinking water supply across the city. He said, for water supply in Delhi, the Jal Board should strengthen the water distribution structure along with preventing leakage in the pipelines.

He also stressed the use of world-class technology for desilting drains. UNI RBE SSP