Cleaning Yamuna: Strategies To Reduce Pollution In The Holy River

The Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges, is considered one of the most polluted rivers in India. With about 57 million people depending on its waters, the river's degradation poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. The main sources of pollution include domestic wastewater, industrial effluents, idol immersion, and untreated sewage. To address this issue, various measures have been implemented, including the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) since 1993, which aims to improve water quality through the construction of sewage and effluent treatment plants. Despite these efforts, the river remains severely polluted, particularly in the stretch from Wazirabad to Okhla in Delhi, which accounts for a large portion of the total pollution. To effectively reduce pollution in the Yamuna River, a combination of administrative actions, community initiatives, and sustainable solutions is necessary.

Reduce the amount of untreated wastewater entering the river

The Yamuna River is one of the most polluted rivers in India, with around 58% of Delhi's waste being dumped into it. The river is worshipped in Hinduism and is considered sacred, but today it is known as 'Delhi's dying holy river'. The main sources of pollution are domestic wastewater, industrial effluents, idol immersion, pesticide residue, and untreated sewage.

To reduce the amount of untreated wastewater entering the river, several measures can be taken:

• Construct and upgrade sewage treatment plants: Currently, only about 35% of the total estimated sewage discharge undergoes treatment. By building more sewage treatment facilities and ensuring that existing plants meet wastewater standards, the amount of untreated wastewater entering the river can be significantly reduced.
• Improve wastewater treatment processes: It is important to ensure that the treated or partially treated sewage from sewage treatment plants is not continuously discharged directly into the river. Proper treatment processes should be followed, and power failures, mechanical problems, or maintenance issues that lead to untreated sewage being released into the river should be addressed promptly.
• Regulate industrial waste: Industrial zones, including oil refineries, distilleries, pulp, pharmaceutical, chemical, electroplating, weaving, and sugar industries, contribute significantly to water pollution. Stringent regulations and enforcement are necessary to control the discharge of industrial waste into the river.
• Public education and awareness: Educating the public about the impact of their household activities on the river can encourage people to use biodegradable products and proper waste disposal methods. This can help reduce the amount of detergent, laundry chemicals, and phosphate compounds entering the river.
• Develop more public infrastructure: Constructing more public toilets and crematoria can help reduce sewage waste entering the river.
• Implement better waste management practices: This includes proper disposal of idols and worship items during festivals, as well as encouraging the use of biodegradable paints for idols.

By taking these measures and addressing the issue of untreated wastewater, the amount of pollution entering the Yamuna River can be significantly reduced, helping to restore the river's health and ecological balance.

Improve the quality of water discharged from wastewater treatment plants

The Yamuna River is one of the most polluted rivers in India. The river is worshipped in Hinduism and is considered sacred, with many people bathing in its waters and performing the last rites of the dead on its banks. However, the river is severely polluted, particularly downstream of New Delhi, which dumps about 58% of its waste into the river.

To improve the quality of water discharged from wastewater treatment plants, several measures can be implemented:

Primary Treatment

Primary treatment involves the physical processes of screening, comminution, grit removal, and sedimentation. Screening removes large objects such as sticks and garbage using screens with openings of about 10 millimetres. Comminution involves grinding and shredding debris that passes through the screens. Grit chambers slow down the flow of water, allowing sand, coffee grounds, and eggshells to settle. Grit removal is particularly important in cities with combined sewer systems, as they carry a lot of silt and gravel.

Sedimentation tanks, also called primary clarifiers, allow the wastewater to sit for several hours, causing the sludge to settle at the bottom and a scum to form on the top. The scum is skimmed off, and the sludge is removed from the bottom. Primary treatment removes about 60% of total suspended solids and about 35% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

Secondary Treatment

Secondary treatment removes soluble organic matter that escapes primary treatment using biological processes. This is done through the trickling filter, activated sludge, or oxidation pond methods.

• Trickling Filter: Settled sewage is sprayed over a deep bed of stones, allowing bacteria to absorb the dissolved organics as it trickles down. Air circulating upward provides oxygen for the metabolic processes.
• Activated Sludge: Settled sewage is mixed with fresh sludge and injected with compressed air or mixed with mechanical propeller-like mixers. This provides oxygen and a rapid mixing action, allowing microbes to absorb the dissolved organics.
• Oxidation Pond: Large, shallow ponds where wastewater is treated through the interaction of sunlight, bacteria, and algae. Mechanical aerators may be installed to supply more oxygen.

Tertiary (Advanced) Treatment

Tertiary treatment removes dissolved substances such as colour, metals, organic chemicals, and nutrients. One such process is Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR), which uses bacteria in different conditions to digest contaminants. Another method is effluent polishing, which uses granular media filters to remove additional suspended solids and BOD.

To remove plant nutrients, processes such as chemical precipitation and nitrification-denitrification can be used. Ammonia stripping can also be employed, where chemicals are added to convert ammonium ions into ammonia gas, which is then released.

Disinfection

The final step prior to discharge is disinfection, which destroys any remaining pathogens. This is typically done through chlorination or ultraviolet radiation.

Implement measures to address idol immersion, such as encouraging the use of biodegradable paints

The immersion of idols in the Yamuna River is a significant source of pollution. The paints used on the idols contain heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and iron, which leech into the water and increase its toxicity. Post-immersion, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that the levels of these metals increased significantly, with chromium increasing 11 times and iron increasing 71 times over the permissible limit.

To address this issue, the CPCB has implemented measures to encourage the use of biodegradable paints for idol immersion. The revised guidelines prohibit the use of toxic and non-biodegradable chemical dyes and oil paints for painting idols. Instead, they recommend the use of naturally occurring colours from plants (flowers, barks, stamens, leaves, roots, seeds, and whole fruits), feathers of different birds, and mineral or coloured rocks.

The guidelines also suggest the use of natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly raw materials such as traditional clay and mud for making idols. The use of single-use plastic, thermocol, and plaster of Paris is strictly prohibited. Only dried flower components and natural resins from trees are permitted for decorating idols.

To further reduce pollution, the CPCB recommends immersing idols in specific designated artificial confined tanks or ponds with liners made from well-graded or highly impervious clay or eco-synthetic liners. These liners can help contain the pollutants and prevent them from leeching into the river. Additionally, the CPCB suggests that the charges for hiring clean-up agencies to remove waste from idol immersion sites should be collected as 'visarjan charges' from individuals or communities. These charges can then be used to fund the clean-up efforts and ensure the environmentally sound management of idol remains.

By implementing these measures, the CPCB aims to reduce the pollution caused by idol immersion in the Yamuna River and encourage more sustainable and eco-friendly practices during religious festivals.

Control the discharge of industrial effluents and sewage into the river

Industrial effluents and sewage discharge is a major cause of concern for the Yamuna River. The river carries highly toxic wastes, containing high levels of heavy metals and pesticides, which are indiscriminately discharged by about half a million industrial units. The water quality of the Yamuna is severely affected by the discharge of untreated industrial sludge and wastewater, which contain obnoxious effluents, residue, disinfectants, and their by-products.

To control the discharge of industrial effluents and sewage into the Yamuna River, the following measures can be implemented:

• Enforcement of Regulations: Stringent implementation and monitoring of regulations for industries to prevent the dumping of waste into the river are crucial. Fines and penalties for non-compliance should be imposed to deter polluters.
• Treatment of Industrial Effluents: Industries should be required to treat their wastewater before discharge. The installation and proper maintenance of effluent treatment plants and common effluent treatment plants are essential.
• Adoption of Cleaner Technologies: Industries should be encouraged or mandated to adopt cleaner production technologies that minimize the generation of pollutants.
• Regular Monitoring and Sampling: Government agencies, such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state pollution control boards, should regularly monitor the river water quality and industrial discharge. Sampling and testing of water at multiple locations along the river can help identify the sources of pollution.
• Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Industries should be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing water consumption, reusing and recycling wastewater, and properly managing hazardous waste.
• Collaboration and Community Involvement: Collaboration between government, industries, and local communities is vital. Community members can play an active role in reporting any illegal discharge of effluents and can be educated about the importance of proper waste management.
• Development of Infrastructure: The government should invest in adequate sewage treatment infrastructure and ensure that existing treatment plants are functioning effectively.
• Implementation of Best Management Practices: Industries should be provided with guidelines and best management practices to minimize the release of pollutants. Regular training and capacity-building programs can help industries improve their waste management practices.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness among the public about the impacts of industrial pollution on the Yamuna River can foster a sense of responsibility. Educational programs can promote the use of biodegradable products and proper waste disposal methods.
• Strict Action Against Unauthorized Units: Unauthorized industrial units that are discharging untreated effluents should be identified and subjected to strict legal action.

Develop and maintain public toilets and crematoria to reduce sewage waste

Developing and maintaining public toilets and crematoria can significantly reduce sewage waste in the Yamuna River. Here are some measures that can be implemented:

Develop and Maintain Public Toilets:

• Constructing low-cost, eco-friendly public toilets accessible to all is essential. These toilets should have proper signage and be well-maintained, with regular cleaning and waste disposal systems in place.
• Educate the community about the importance of using public toilets and the proper maintenance of the sewage system. This can include training programs and awareness campaigns.
• Implement regular inspections and maintenance of public toilets to ensure they are functional and do not contribute to sewage leakage or blockages.

Develop and Maintain Crematoria:

• Construct crematoria near the river to provide an alternative to immersing cremated ashes directly into the river, as per religious practices.
• Ensure proper waste disposal methods are in place at crematoria to reduce the amount of ash and other funeral waste entering the river.
• Educate the public about the environmental impact of immersing ashes and performing funeral rites in the river, encouraging them to use crematoria facilities instead.

By implementing these measures, the amount of sewage waste entering the Yamuna River can be significantly reduced, contributing to a cleaner and healthier river ecosystem.

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