Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an extended high-level review meeting in New Delhi on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, signalling intensified political oversight over the long-stalled clean-up effort. The meeting brought together senior officials from the Union government, Delhi administration, and key implementing agencies, including those overseeing sewage treatment and drainage management.

According to sources, the session ran longer than scheduled as the Home Minister pressed for granular updates on timelines, project execution, and inter-agency coordination. Shah is learnt to have raised multiple pointed questions, seeking accountability at both the institutional and individual levels. Officials present said he directly addressed specific bureaucrats, asking them to detail their respective mandates and progress made so far.

The review focused on plugging untreated effluent flows, expediting sewage treatment capacity expansion, and ensuring compliance with court-mandated benchmarks. Emphasis was also placed on real-time monitoring systems, funding utilisation, and coordination between central and local bodies.

The sharper scrutiny underscores the Centre’s intent to fast-track visible outcomes on a politically sensitive environmental issue, with officials expected to submit revised action plans and tighter deadlines following the meeting. Further reviews are likely in coming weeks.