Flash Story
Green Techniques Propel a Health Revolution in Home Vegetable Gardens
molasses
India Implements 50% Duty on Molasses Exports: Exploring the Impact on Global Trade and Agriculture
Statistical Foundations: Shaping the National Economy Through Data-Driven Decision-Making
Xeriscaping: A Sustainable Oasis in Your Garden
Hibiscus
How to grow and care for hibiscus
Agroforestry
Agroforestry in Uttarakhand Hills: Best Tree Species for Sustainable Farming
Plant growth regulators
“Harnessing the Power of Plant Growth Regulators: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Crop Productivity”
Dairy farming
Dairy Farming: Nurturing Nature’s Nutrient-Rich Elixir
Bottle gourd
Grow fresh bottle gourd at home, know the easy way
Crop Rotation
6 Crop Rotation Techniques for Sustainable Farming
Succulents
Succulents: Nature’s Resilient Beauties
Ladakh Farmers
Thriving at -20°C: Ladakh Farmers’ Agricultural Feat with KVK Technologies
Eco-Friendly Bio-Thermocol
Turning Agricultural Waste into Treasure: The Eco-Friendly Bio-Thermocol from paddy and wheat stubble
How to grow and care for succulents
How to grow and care for succulents
UN REPORT WARNS INDIA FOR SEVERE DEPLETION OF GROUNDWATER RESERVES
Green roofs
Urban Oasis: How Green Roofs are Changing Cityscapes
Plant these vegetables at home before Diwali, there will be no need to buy in winter.
Msp for 2023-2024
Kharif Crops Prices issued by the Marketing season 2023-24.
Poultry farming
The Essentials of Successful Poultry Farming: A Comprehensive Guide
How to grow and cultivate roses
A Blooming Guide: How to Grow and Cultivate Roses
Floriculture in uttarakhand
Blossoming Beauty: Floriculture in Uttarakhand
Finger Millet
Finger Millet: The Nutrient-Rich Grain Reviving Health and Agriculture
The Graceful Giants: Growing, Caring, and Unveiling Facts About Willow and Poplar Trees
‘Evergreen’ variety of mango, total 3 yields in a year, fruits will remain on the tree for 12 months continuously
Tomato seeds
Tomato Seeds Unveiled: Your Complete Growing Blueprint
nellore breed
Rs 40 crore sale of Indian cow sets world record: What Makes the Nellore Breed So Special?
dragon fruit
Dragon Fruit: A Rising Star in Indian Farming
coconut
Coconut: The Zero-Waste Tree of Life
Rubber
Rubber: The Unsung Hero Powering Industries and Global Trade
Bamboo
Sustainable Living with Bamboo: How Meghalaya Leads the Way in Eco-Friendly Innovation
Janak Palta
Janak Palta McGilligan: The Woman Leading India’s Sustainability and Women Empowerment Movement
PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana:
PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana: A Game Changer for Indian Farmers
Sunita Agarwal
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Odisha’s Sujata Agarwal Revolutionizes Saffron Cultivation
Makhana board
Makhana Board in Bihar: A Game Changer for Farmers, Economy, and Exports

“From Sacred to Polluted”: Save the Yamuna River Causes, Current State, and Future Outlook

Yamuna river

The 2nd largest tributory of ganga under grip of extinction

The Yamuna River, a lifeline for millions in India, is grappling with severe pollution that threatens its very existence. Stretching over 1,376 kilometers, it is the second-largest tributary of the Ganga and holds profound cultural and economic significance. However, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth have led to its alarming degradation.

Current State of the Yamuna River

In recent years, the Yamuna has been plagued by toxic foam, particularly evident during festivals like Chhath Puja. This foam results from the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents, leading to a frothy layer on the river’s surface. Despite warnings about the health risks, many Hindu devotees continue to perform rituals in its polluted waters.

Yamuna River has almost no fresh water downstream of Wajirabad barrage in Delhi except monsoon season. There is a critical path of 22 km of river Yamuna in Delhi where 18 major drains discharge into River Yamuna.

Picture credit : ZEE Business

Yamuna River has almost no fresh water downstream of Wajirabad barrage in Delhi except monsoon season. There is a critical path of 22 km of river Yamuna in Delhi where 18 major drains discharges into River Yamuna.

As per the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s (DPCC) report of January 2021, estimated sewage generation in Delhi is about 3273 million liters per day (MLD) (720 MGD), while installed sewage treatment capacity is about 2715 MLD (597 MGD), out of which about 2432 MLD (535 MGD) sewage is being treated in Delhi. Thus, about 941 MLD (185 MGD) of sewage is finding its way into rivers through various drains. Besides, 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) of 212 MLD capacity exist for 17 industrial clusters in Delhi and as per the report, all these CETPs are non-compliant.

See also  India's Food & Beverage Industry Poised to Achieve $100 Billion in Exports by 2030

The river’s pollution is so severe that in certain stretches, particularly between Wazirabad and Okhla in Delhi—a mere 2% of the river’s length—it accounts for nearly 80% of its total pollution. This section has become ecologically dead, unable to support aquatic life.

Primary Causes of Yamuna River Pollution

1. Industrial Discharge

Numerous factories along the Yamuna’s banks release untreated industrial waste directly into the river. These effluents contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, significantly deteriorating water quality.

2. Untreated Sewage

A significant portion of Delhi’s sewage—over 3,500 million liters daily—is dumped into the Yamuna. Despite existing sewage treatment plants, more than half of this waste remains untreated or inadequately treated, flowing directly into the river.

3. Agricultural Runoff

The use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture leads to runoff that carries these chemicals into the Yamuna, contributing to nutrient pollution and eutrophication.

4. Religious Practices

The immersion of idols made from non-biodegradable materials and plaster of Paris during festivals adds to the river’s pollution load. These materials do not dissolve easily and release harmful substances into the water.

Speculations and Future Outlook

Environmentalists argue that the lack of political will and urgency in implementing effective solutions exacerbates the Yamuna’s plight. Many experts emphasize that despite numerous plans and funds allocated, there has been minimal action on the ground to clean the river.

The situation has also led to political disputes, with accusations about contamination from neighboring states. Furthermore, the declining health of the Yamuna has far-reaching implications. In Agra, the river’s pollution has been linked to damage to the Taj Mahal, with reports of the white marble turning yellow and green due to the filthy air and polluted water.

See also  India’s Forest and Tree Cover: Latest Report

Potential Solutions

Addressing the Yamuna’s pollution requires a multifaceted approach:

  • Upgrading Sewage Treatment: Enhancing the capacity and efficiency of sewage treatment plants to ensure that all wastewater is adequately treated before being discharged.
  • Strict Industrial Regulation: Implementing stringent regulations to prevent industries from discharging untreated waste into the river, coupled with regular monitoring and hefty penalties for non-compliance.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: educating the public about the consequences of river pollution and promoting eco-friendly practices during religious and cultural events.
  • Afforestation and Riverbank Restoration: Planting trees and restoring natural vegetation along the riverbanks can help filter pollutants and prevent soil erosion.

End Note

The Yamuna River’s plight is a stark reminder of the environmental challenges posed by rapid development and urbanization. Immediate and sustained action is essential to restore this vital waterway to its former glory and ensure the health and well-being of the millions who depend on it.

Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top