Meghan Hodges
The Yamuna River, a crucial source of water for millions in India, has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Flowing for 1,375km from the Himalayas, the river quickly deteriorates as it passes through the metropolis of New Delhi, becoming a dying holy river. In this paragraph, we will explore the state of the Yamuna, the causes of its degradation, and the impact this has on the environment and people's lives. We will also discuss the efforts to revive this once life-giving river and the challenges faced in ensuring a sustainable future for the Yamuna.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population dependent on Yamuna's waters | 57 million |
| Percentage of Delhi's water supply accounted for by Yamuna | >70% |
| Annual flow | 97 billion cubic metres |
| Consumption per year | 4 billion cubic metres |
| Percentage of consumption used for irrigation | 96% |
| Percentage of consumption used for domestic water supply | 4% |
| Percentage of consumption used for industrial and other uses | 2% |
| Percentage of waste dumped into Yamuna by New Delhi | 58% |
| Percentage of sewage treated before being released into the river | 35% |
| Volume of untreated sewage pumped into Yamuna each day | 800 million+ litres |
| Volume of industrial effluents discharged daily into the river | 44 million litres |
| Heavy metals found in the river | Iron (Fe), Cd, As, Cr, Zn |
| Length of Delhi stretch of the Yamuna river | 22 km |
| Percentage of river's length that the stretch above makes up | 2% |
| Percentage of river's pollution that the stretch above accounts for | 76% |
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What You'll Learn
The Yamuna is one of India's most polluted rivers
New Delhi dumps about 58% of its waste into the river, with the most pollution coming from Wazirabad, where the Yamuna enters the city. The water quality monitoring of the river has indicated a significant presence of several heavy metals, including iron, in its waters. In addition, more than 800 million litres of largely untreated sewage is pumped into the Yamuna each day, with only 35% of sewage treated before being released into the river.
The degradation of the Yamuna's water quality has led to initiatives such as the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), launched in 1993 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to rejuvenate the river, particularly in the Delhi segment. Under YAP-III, a new sewage treatment plant is being built by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to treat 124 million gallons of wastewater per day. However, the mission to clean the Yamuna has been deemed a failure by the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Forests of the Government of India.
The pollution of the Yamuna has been attributed to various factors, including industrial waste, domestic sewage, and poor regulation of dumping laws. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the river was reported to be 33% cleaner due to the cessation of industrial activities. However, with industries shut down, the majority of the pollution load continued, stemming from domestic sewage. Festivals like Ganapati Puja, where idols of the Hindu god Ganesh are immersed in the river, also contribute to the pollution.
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Heavy metal pollution and sewage discharge
The Yamuna River is the second-largest tributary of the Ganges and the longest tributary in India. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Lower Himalaya and travels 1,376 kilometres before merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj. The river is highly venerated in Hinduism and is worshipped as the goddess Yamuna.
However, due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and industrialisation, the Yamuna has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world. In particular, the river is heavily polluted downstream of New Delhi, with the city dumping about 58% of its waste into the river. The stretch of the river from the Wazirabad barrage to the New Okhla Barrage, accounting for less than 2% of the Yamuna's total length, contributes to nearly 80% of the total pollution in the river.
The Yamuna River is facing significant heavy metal pollution and sewage discharge issues. Water quality monitoring has indicated a significant presence of several heavy metals, including iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As). These heavy metals have adverse effects on human health, including reduced growth and development, cancer, organ damage, and nervous system damage. The concentration of iron in the river has been found to exceed the limit by a significant amount.
The majority of the pollution in the Yamuna River comes from domestic sewage and industrial effluents. About 85% of the pollution is caused by domestic and industrial sources, with untreated wastewater and poor-quality water discharged from wastewater treatment plants being major contributors. The river receives about 800 million litres of largely untreated sewage and 44 million litres of industrial effluents each day, with only an estimated 35% of the sewage being treated before release into the river.
To address the heavy metal pollution and sewage discharge issues, several measures have been taken under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) since 1993. The plan includes the construction of interceptor sewers and a new sewage treatment plant by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The plant is predicted to treat 124 million gallons of wastewater per day, removing a significant amount of organic pollutants and solids. Additionally, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has planned 11 projects to conserve the river in Delhi, including the rehabilitation of sewers and the installation of treatment plants along the sewer lines.
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Population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation
The Yamuna River is one of the most polluted rivers in India. Flowing from the Himalayas, the river traverses through several states, including Delhi, and provides more than 70% of the city's water supply. However, the rapid population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation have severely polluted the river.
Population Growth
The burgeoning population in and around Delhi has significantly contributed to the Yamuna River's pollution. With a dense population relying on the river for various purposes, the demand for water has increased, leading to excessive extraction. This has reduced the river's flow rate, allowing pollutants to accumulate more easily.
Urbanisation
The urbanisation of Delhi and surrounding areas has resulted in the development of industrial and residential areas along the river. This has led to the discharge of untreated or partially treated domestic sewage and industrial wastewater into the river. Poor regulation and enforcement of dumping laws have further exacerbated the issue, with residents disposing of waste through open drains that lead directly into the river.
Industrialisation
The presence of industrial towns along the Yamuna River has contributed significantly to its pollution. Various industrial units discharge waste, including heavy metals and toxic chemicals, into the river. For example, the Shahdara and Najafgarh drains, which carry industrial effluents, have been identified as significant contributors to the river's pollution levels. The river's barrages, which are meant to control water flow, have also become conduits for untreated or partially treated wastewater, further escalating the pollution problem.
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Religious festivals and idol immersion
The Yamuna River, which flows for 855 miles (1,375 km) from the Himalayas, is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. It is India's most polluted river, particularly downstream of New Delhi, which dumps about 58% of its waste into the river. The city of Delhi depends on the river for 70% of its water supply, and nearly 57 million people rely on its waters.
To address the environmental impact of these religious festivals, Indian courts have implemented measures to regulate idol immersion. The National Green Tribunal Act (NGT) guidelines stipulate that only clay should be used for idol making, and the use of toxic and non-biodegradable materials, such as plaster of Paris, is prohibited. Local civil bodies have been instructed to create temporary immersion sites or artificial ponds near residential areas to prevent the contamination of the Yamuna and other water bodies.
Despite these regulations, the enforcement of court orders has been lacking in Delhi. Environmental lawyer Sanjay Upadhyay has advocated for stricter enforcement to ensure that idols are biodegradable and that non-biodegradable materials are removed before immersion. The environmental toll of these large religious festivals highlights the need for better management and citizen participation in following ecological guidelines to protect the Yamuna River.
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Conservation efforts and the YAP initiative
The Indian government has acknowledged the critical pollution levels in the Yamuna River and has launched several initiatives to tackle this environmental crisis. The river is worshipped in Hinduism as the 'Goddess Yamuna' and is deeply significant culturally, socioeconomically, and religiously. About 57 million people rely on the Yamuna for water, as it accounts for more than 70% of Delhi's water supply. However, the river is also referred to as 'Delhi's dying holy river'.
Conservation Efforts
The government, along with various central, state, and local authorities, has taken steps to improve sewage treatment, reduce pollution, and restore the river's ecological balance. These efforts include the implementation of stricter environmental regulations, technological interventions, and various projects under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The NMCG projects include the rehabilitation of sewers, rising mains, and the installation of eleven treatment plants along the 83-km-long sewer line in Gurgaon, which will significantly reduce the level of pollution.
The YAP Initiative
One of the most significant government initiatives is the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), initiated in 1993 with financial aid from Japan. The plan is executed by the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The Japan Bank for International Cooperation is participating in the YAP by providing soft loan assistance of 17.773 billion Japanese yen, while the Indian government funds the remaining towns.
Under YAP, there has been a focus on two types of actions: sewerage and non-sewerage facilities. The construction of pumping stations, sewers, and sewage treatment plants (STPs) falls under the former, while non-sewerage objectives include public toilet complexes, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns. The total budget sanctioned for YAP II was 6.24 billion INR, with an emphasis on public participation, awareness, and institutional strengthening.
Despite these initiatives, pollution levels in the Yamuna continue to rise due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and weak enforcement of regulations. However, the success of these conservation efforts relies on collective action from policymakers, industries, local communities, and individuals, along with strict enforcement of environmental laws and innovative waste management technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
The River Yamuna is considered one of the most polluted rivers in India and the world.
The River Yamuna is polluted due to a combination of industrial waste, sewage, and religious festivals.
The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) has been implemented since 1993 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests' National River Conservation Directorate to address river pollution. A new sewage treatment plant is also being built, which is predicted to treat 124 million gallons of wastewater per day.
High amounts of heavy metals in water can cause reduced growth and development, cancer, organ damage, nervous system damage, and more.
The pollution in the River Yamuna has led to a decline in the Indian crocodile population and the disappearance of large turtles. Eutrophication, induced by improper agricultural practices and sewage discharge, has also rendered parts of the river unusable for activities such as fishing, swimming, and drinking water.
