Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan

  Sansad TV   Apr 20, 2025  Add to Reading List

The Yamuna River is one of the most important rivers in northern India and a major tributary of the Ganga. Sadly, it’s now one of the most polluted rivers in the world. A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources stated that in Delhi, the Yamuna is "virtually non-existent" because of how polluted and neglected it has become.

Key Facts About the Yamuna River

  • Origin: The Yamuna begins from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 6,387 meters in the lower Himalayas.

  • Course: It flows through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi before merging with the Ganga at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

  • Main Dams: Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam (Uttarakhand), Tajewala Barrage (Haryana), among others.

  • Major Tributaries: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken rivers.

  • Most Polluted Stretch: The 22-kilometer section between Wazirabad and Okhla in Delhi, though only 2% of the river’s total length, is the most severely polluted.

Current Water Quality

The Yamuna’s water is heavily polluted with dangerous levels of:

  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

  • Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

  • Fecal Coliform (FC) bacteria

  • Heavy metals and dissolved solids

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), from January 2021 to May 2023, 23 out of 33 locations tested along the river were unfit for bathing—including spots in Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

Standards for Safe River Water (For Bathing)

As per CPCB, the river water should have:

  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO): At least 5 mg/l

  • BOD: No more than 3 mg/l

  • Fecal Coliform: Less than 2,500 MPN/100 ml

Unfortunately, the Yamuna often fails to meet these basic standards.

Main Sources of Pollution

  1. Domestic Sewage: Many areas in Delhi and nearby regions lack proper sewage systems. Untreated sewage is dumped directly into the river.

  2. Poor Sewage Treatment: Delhi has 38 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), but many are outdated or overloaded, releasing partially treated sewage.

  3. Industrial Waste: Industries in Sonipat, Panipat, and Delhi release toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the river.

  4. Ineffective Effluent Treatment: 30 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) exist but often fail to properly treat industrial wastewater.

  5. Farming Chemicals: Pesticides and fertilizers from agricultural lands wash into the river, causing nutrient overload and algae growth.

  6. Solid Waste: Plastic bags, garbage, and debris are regularly dumped into the river.

  7. Low Water Flow: Too much water is taken out for drinking and farming, especially near barrages like Wazirabad, reducing the river’s natural ability to clean itself.

What Can Be Done to Save the Yamuna?

  1. Improve Sewage Treatment: Upgrade STPs, build more small-scale treatment plants near unauthorized colonies, and ensure all sewage is treated before entering the river.

  2. Strict Industrial Waste Control: Enforce laws that require proper treatment of industrial waste and punish polluters.

  3. Release More Freshwater: Ensure that enough clean water flows into the Yamuna from upstream to help dilute the pollution.

  4. Stop Dumping Waste: Launch strong campaigns and rules to prevent garbage and plastic from being thrown into the river.

  5. Cleaner Farming Methods: Encourage farmers to use natural fertilizers and fewer harmful chemicals to reduce runoff into the river.

  6. Clean the Riverbed: Regularly remove sludge and toxic waste settled at the bottom of the river.

  7. Use Treated Water: Promote the reuse of treated wastewater for farming, parks, and industrial use to reduce pressure on clean water sources.

Government Efforts So Far

  • Yamuna Action Plan

  • Namami Gange Programme

  • National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

Conclusion

The Yamuna is in serious trouble. Its pollution threatens not only the environment but also the health of millions of people. To bring the river back to life, a team effort is needed. Governments, industries, farmers, and citizens all have a role to play. With better waste treatment, strict pollution control, and sustainable practices, the Yamuna can be restored for future generations.