The Delhi government also recently organised a day-long cleanliness drive at 70 locations along the Yamuna’s ghats and floodplains. Cleaning and restoration efforts for the river have been underway since 1993, with the launch of the Yamuna Action Plan.Also Read | Accumulated sludge, water from drains causing ammonia level spikes in Yamuna river, says pollution boardShah, following the launch of the clean-up projects, pledged that the BJP government would ensure that the river's Delhi stretch is cleaned by 2029.Manoj Tiwari's Yamuna challenge to Rahul, Kejriwal; AAP leader respondsTiwari shared a video of him taking a dip in the Yamuna.

The BJP MP from Purvanchal said, “Kejriwal ji and Rahul Gandhi ji, this is not a reel, this is reality. This is Delhi's Yamuna ji.

Today I took a bath here and also performed Achaman. Kejriwal ji, Rahul Gandhi ji, when are you coming to take a dip?” Tiwari said he had tasted (achaman) the Yamuna water.Responding to the BJP MP's remarks, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj said it was “well known that 26 km stretch of Yamuna river from Palla to Wazirabad has always been comparatively clean.” He claimed the stretch was cleaner during the AAP government, while citing Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reports.“These BJP frauds know nothing about Delhi.” Bharadwaj said in a post on X, adding that the first nallah (drain) enters Yamuna at Wazirabad near Signature bridge. “That's (the) 862 MGD (million gallons per day) drain which pollutes Yamuna first after 26 kms of its entry into Delhi,” the AAP leader added.

He further invited Tiwari and Delhi water minister Parvesh Varma to drink the river's water at Kalindi Kunj.These BJP frauds know nothing about Delhi. It is well known that 26 km stretch of Yamuna river from Palla to Wazirabad has always been comparatively clean.

It was cleaner during AAP Govt even as per DPCC reports. The first Nallah (Najafgarh drain) enters Yamuna river at Wazirabad near Signature bridge.

That's 862 MGD drain which pollutes Yamuna first after 26 kms of its entry into Delhi. That has always be cleaner.

Stupid BJP leaders does not know the basics of Delhi. Like last year around Chhath, BJP's Haryana Govt has been asked by Centre to release extra fresh water into Yamuna from Hathnikund barrage in Haryana.

This extra water further dilutes the pollutant load and these jokers start their circus to fool the people of Delhi. They are the set of same BJP frauds who wasted public money to construct a Nakli Yamuna of bisleri water last year.

When they were exposed, the PM had to cancel his plans to take dip in Nakli Yamuna. I invite Manoj Tiwali and Water Minister Parvesh Verma to drink water at Kalindi Kunj Ghat.

Last year also they ran away from the challenge. This year too, they will run away. https://t.co/iOrald9sXR— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) October 29, 2026 “Last year also they ran away from the challenge.

This year too, they will run away,” Bharadwaj said in his post. Delhi water minister Verma had earlier said that the BJP had “never claimed that the Yamuna has been completely cleaned.” “It will take around two-and-a-half to three years for the Yamuna to be completely clean,” news agency PTI cited Verma as saying.

Verma added that the upper stream of the Yamuna in Delhi – between Palla and Wazirabad – had been completely cleaned, and that cleaning was underway between Wazirabad and Kalindi Kunj.Also Read | Yamuna toxic foam: Why is the river covered with glacier-like layers of froth?AAP leader Bharadwaj in his post also claimed that the Haryana government had been asked to release “extra fresh water into Yamuna from Hathnikund barrage” last year around Chhatth festival. “This extra water further dilutes the pollutant load and these jokers start their circus to fool the people of Delhi,” Bharadwaj said in the post.Arya Mishra is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, and a key member of the digital news team focusing on urgent breaking developments across India and the world. With a sharp editorial instinct and strong reporting skills, Arya covers high-impact crime incidents, public safety and justice issues, political developments, education policy and international affairs, consistently delivering clear, accurate and timely journalism.

Her recent reporting highlights include detailed coverage of serious criminal cases, politics as well as analyses of national education reforms and international diplomatic moves. On the world news front, she has written about global trade policy changes and security developments, including tariff shifts by the United States and strategic counter-terrorism strategies being rolled out by Ministry of Home Affairs.

Arya thrives in fast-paced environments – running live blogs, crafting in-depth explainers and real-time news coverage that keeps readers informed as stories evolve. Before joining Hindustan Times, she was a part of The Indian Express online team.

Outside the newsroom, she is an avid reader, with a love for thriller and suspense fiction, and enjoys music as a way to unwind. With more than three years of experience in dynamic newsrooms, Arya brings curiosity, clarity and commitment to every story she covers.Read More