Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh visited the Jhandewala Temple on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to celebrate Durga Ashtami. Accompanied by his family, the minister offered prayers and addressed the public regarding the environmental condition of the Yamuna River. He emphasized that maintaining the cleanliness of the river is a collective responsibility of all Delhi residents, especially during festive seasons when religious offerings are traditionally immersed in water bodies.
How to dispose of religious offerings as per the new appeal
The minister specifically requested devotees not to immerse ‘Khetri’ in the Yamuna River after the Navratri celebrations. He provided a sustainable alternative to ensure both religious traditions and environmental concerns are respected. Citizens are urged to bring their offerings to the processing unit at the nursery located opposite the Delhi Secretariat. This unit will process the materials into organic compost to support the city’s green initiatives. This move aims to reduce the waste load on the river while contributing to the plantation efforts across the capital.
Key figures for Delhi infrastructure and environment development
The Delhi government has allocated substantial funds and set clear deadlines for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna and the development of city infrastructure. The following table provides a breakdown of the key figures and targets for the 2026-27 financial period.
| Project Category | Details and Financial Outlay |
|---|---|
| Yamuna Cleanup Deadline | December 2027 for all major works |
| PWD Infrastructure Budget | ₹5,921 crore for road development |
| Environment Budget | ₹822 crore for green initiatives |
| Road Redevelopment | Redevelopment of over 750 kilometers of roads |
| Sewage Treatment | Target to reach 1500 MGD capacity by 2028 |
Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh also mentioned that the government is exploring plans to introduce ferry services and attract tourists to the riverfront area. Recent reports from the irrigation department indicate that nearly 1,300 tons of waste were removed from the river in a span of just ten days, highlighting the scale of the ongoing cleanup efforts under the current administration.
