Helena Joyce
The Yamuna River is a vital source of water for millions of people, but it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the world. The river, which flows through several Indian states, has become severely degraded, particularly in Delhi, where it is choked with plastic pollution, untreated sewage, and industrial waste. This stretch of the river, from Wazirabad to Okhla Barrage, accounts for nearly 80% of the total pollution in the Yamuna, despite being less than 2% of its total length. The pollution in this sacred river has been caused by rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization, with Delhi alone contributing 79% of the pollution load.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population of Delhi depending on Yamuna's waters | 57 million |
| Percentage of Delhi's water supply accounted for by Yamuna | 70% |
| Annual flow of Yamuna | 97 billion cubic metres |
| Percentage of Delhi's waste dumped into the Yamuna | 58% |
| Percentage of domestic wastewater in Delhi flowing into Yamuna | 90% |
| Major sources of wastewater | Household activities, industrial effluents, sewage |
| Percentage of sewage treated before being released into Yamuna | 35% |
| Heavy metals found in Yamuna's water | Iron (Fe) |
| Plastic pollution in Yamuna | Single-use plastics, plastic bags, flip-flops, paper products |
| Toxic foam on Yamuna | Contained high levels of ammonia and phosphates |
| Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) implementation | Since 1993 |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial and sewage waste
The Yamuna river is a vital source of water for millions of people, but it has become severely polluted due to industrial and sewage waste. Delhi, in particular, contributes significantly to the river's pollution, with about 58% of the city's waste being dumped into the river.
The stretch of the Yamuna river from the Wazirabad barrage to the Okhla barrage, a 22 km (14 mi) segment, accounts for nearly 80% of the total pollution in the river. This stretch is less than 2% of the Yamuna's total length. Delhi's sewage treatment plants are a major source of the problem, with 22 out of 35 plants not meeting wastewater standards. This results in untreated wastewater and poor-quality water being discharged into the river. In addition, the river receives about 800 million litres of untreated sewage and 44 million litres of industrial effluents each day, with only an estimated 35% of the sewage being treated.
The high levels of pollution in the Yamuna have severe consequences for both human and aquatic health. The water contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, which can cause respiratory and skin issues. It also has a significant presence of heavy metals, including iron, which can lead to reduced growth and development, cancer, organ damage, and nervous system damage. The pollution is also detrimental to aquatic life, with rising ammonia levels changing the pH of the water and potentially causing the death of fish.
The Indian government has recognised the severity of the issue and has implemented measures to address the pollution. The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), introduced in 1993 with funding from the Japanese government, aims to rejuvenate the river. Under YAP-III, a new sewage treatment plant is being constructed by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). However, despite these efforts, the river remains severely polluted, and in 2024, a viral video emerged of women bathing in hazardous foam caused by heavy pollution.
The pollution of the Yamuna river in Delhi is a complex issue with historical and cultural dimensions. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and industrialisation have contributed to the high levels of sewage and industrial waste in the river. Additionally, the river's sacred status in Hinduism has led to further pollution from idol immersion and other religious practices.
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Plastic pollution
Delhi produces a substantial amount of plastic waste each year, with a significant portion of it being single-use plastic. This plastic waste often ends up in the Yamuna River, polluting its waters and harming the environment. Plastic items such as bags, bottles, and other disposable items are commonly found along the riverbanks and floating in the water.
The high levels of plastic pollution in the Yamuna can be attributed to several factors. One major factor is the improper disposal of plastic waste by individuals and industries. Many people dispose of their plastic waste in open drains or directly into the river, which then carries the plastic into the water. Additionally, the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in and around Delhi have also contributed to the problem. As the city has grown, so has the amount of plastic waste generated, and the inadequate waste management systems have struggled to keep up.
The Indian government has implemented measures to address the plastic pollution in the Yamuna River. For example, in 2017, there was a ban on single-use plastics. However, these measures have not been entirely effective, and plastic pollution remains rampant. The COVID-19 lockdown provided a brief respite for the river, as industries were shut down, and residents reported observing a "cleaner Yamuna".
The impact of plastic pollution on the Yamuna River is significant. It not only affects the environment and aquatic life but also the people who depend on the river for their rituals and daily needs. The pollution has led to high levels of toxic chemicals, such as ammonia and phosphates, which can cause respiratory and skin issues for those who come into contact with the water. It is crucial to address plastic pollution and improve the water quality of the Yamuna River to protect the health and well-being of both the ecosystem and the communities that rely on it.
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Heavy metal pollution
The Yamuna river is a vital source of water for millions of people, but it has faced severe pollution issues, particularly in Delhi, which dumps about 58% of its waste into the river. The stretch of the river from the Wazirabad barrage to the Okhla barrage, spanning 22 km, accounts for nearly 80% of the total pollution in the river. This stretch is also the primary source of raw water for the capital, providing over 70% of Delhi's water supply.
One significant contributor to the Yamuna's pollution is heavy metal contamination. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and industrialisation have led to an increased risk of heavy metal pollution in nearby water bodies. Water quality monitoring has revealed a significant presence of several heavy metals in the Yamuna's water, with iron (Fe) being the most abundant and exceeding the limit. High levels of heavy metals in water pose severe health risks, including reduced growth and development, cancer, organ damage, and nervous system damage.
The high levels of heavy metals in the Yamuna can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the river receives a substantial amount of untreated sewage and industrial effluents. It is estimated that more than 800 million litres of largely untreated sewage are pumped into the Yamuna each day, and only about 35% of the sewage released into the river is believed to be treated. This untreated sewage can contain heavy metals from various household and industrial activities.
Additionally, idol immersion during religious ceremonies also contributes to heavy metal pollution in the Yamuna. Idols made with lead, plaster of Paris (POP), and chrome paints are immersed in the river, releasing these toxic metals into the water. Other items such as polythene bags, decoration items, and metal polishes are also overlooked contributors to heavy metal pollution.
To address the heavy metal pollution in the Yamuna, several measures have been implemented under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP). The plan aims to rejuvenate the river by improving sewage treatment and reducing industrial effluents. However, despite these efforts, the river continues to suffer from high levels of pollution, indicating the need for more effective and sustained actions to protect and restore the health of the Yamuna river.
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Religious practices
The Yamuna River is considered sacred by Hindus, who continue to perform religious rituals along its banks despite the severe pollution of the river. The river is also considered a goddess by many Indians. Religious practices such as bathing, idol immersion, and improper disposal of waste significantly contribute to the pollution of the river.
During festivals, idols made with non-biodegradable materials and toxic paints are immersed in the river, releasing harmful substances. Despite health warnings and court bans, thousands of devotees continue to immerse themselves in the polluted waters of the Yamuna during Chhath Puja, a Hindu festival. The toxicity of the river water during Chhath Puja poses risks to those who perform religious rituals in the river, and undermines the religious significance of the river.
The river has also narrowed over the years, which could promote the disintegration of the wooden foundations on which the Taj Mahal was built. The pollution of the Yamuna also reduces Delhi's tourism potential and urban riverfront development.
To address the issue of idol immersion, the government has proposed implementing biodegradable alternatives for idol immersion and ritual practices in Delhi.
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Population growth and urbanisation
Delhi's population has grown significantly since it became India's capital in 1912. In 1911, the city's population was 400,000; by 2020, it was expected to reach over 18 million. Between 1991 and 2011, the geographic size of Delhi nearly doubled, with the number of urban households doubling and the number of rural households declining by half. Delhi's population continues to grow, with an estimated 2.54% annual change between 2024 and 2025. By 2028, it is expected to surpass Tokyo as the world's most populous city.
This rapid urbanisation has had a significant impact on the Yamuna River, which flows through the city. The river has long been a sacred and worshipped site for Indians, but it is now considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world. The main sources of pollution are domestic wastewater, industrial waste, and plastic pollution.
Delhi's growing population has resulted in an increased volume of domestic wastewater being discharged into the Yamuna River. A report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Central Pollution Control Board found that at least 90% of the city's domestic wastewater flows into the river, containing high levels of detergents, laundry chemicals, and phosphate compounds.
Industrialisation and urban expansion have also contributed to the pollution of the Yamuna River. Rapid urbanisation has resulted in the conversion of vast areas of croplands and grasslands into streets, buildings, and parking lots. This has led to an increase in industrial waste being dumped into the river, with Delhi emptying over 3,500 million litres of municipal sewage into the Yamuna, much of it untreated or inadequately treated.
Plastic pollution is another significant issue, with Delhi producing 251,674 tonnes of plastic annually, 50% of which is single-use. Plastic waste ends up in the river, with open drains being a major source of plastic entry. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when industries were shut down, residents reported a cleaner Yamuna, highlighting the impact of industrial activities on river pollution.
The consequences of the population growth and urbanisation on the Yamuna River are severe. The river has become a "river of death," coated with toxic foam containing high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing respiratory and skin risks. Heavy metal pollution, including high levels of iron, has also been detected, posing various health risks, including reduced growth, cancer, and organ damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Untreated sewage and industrial effluents are the main causes of Yamuna river pollution in Delhi.
The Yamuna river in Delhi is 22km long, which is about 2% of the river's total length. However, this small stretch accounts for nearly 80% of the total pollution in the river.
The high levels of pollution in the Yamuna river have led to a range of health issues, including respiratory and skin problems. The river is biologically dead due to the lack of dissolved oxygen, and the pollution has also impacted the food chain, with toxins entering through vegetables grown on the floodplains.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has implemented the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) since 1993, focusing on Delhi as the most significant contributor to waste. Various pilot projects have been planned, including dairy farm waste management and sewerage projects.
Despite successive governments' pledges and the allocation of significant funds, the river remains severely polluted. Issues with the capacity of STPs, the quality of treated wastewater, and the lack of sewerage network coverage have hindered progress.
