Saving Yamuna: Delhi government proposes ban on soaps, detergents in car washes

Yamuna River

The Delhi government is set to impose a ban on the use of soaps and detergents in car washes, citing their harmful impact on the Yamuna River.

Water Minister Parvesh Verma told The Times of India that these products contain phosphates and surfactants, which flow into drains and pollute the river.

“Cleaning the Yamuna requires strict measures,” Verma said, adding that the government may collaborate with the municipal corporation to enforce the ban. "We are very serious about cleaning the Yamuna and we need everyone's support for this. For Yamuna Maiyaa, we will take every step, big or small. Banning car-wash products is one of the plans we want to implement in the city," he said.

The minister said that before executing the ban, an awareness campaign would be launched to make people aware about the consequences of using car-wash products. Govt officials claimed that banning the use of such products would reduce the amount of phosphates, surfactants and other chemicals entering the wastewater system.