The significance of rivers is well known in our history as the first civilizations dawned on
their banks. As its surroundings are brimming with life, the river is a source of livelihood to many. However, due to human negligence, the river is serving the purpose of a dumping ground for various types of wastes. This sight can be compared to a dystopian era where the water is highly contaminated, the air is unbreathable, & the earth becomes a place
where life thrives no more.
The Yamuna originates from Yamunotri glacier & crosses 7 states before joining the Ganga river at Allahabad & provides water to 57 million inhabitants for their daily use. It enters Delhi from Wazirabad & travels all the way to the Okhla district.
The drastic degradation is caused due to the river being subjected to all kinds of dry, wet & chemical wastes from households, industries & agricultural activities. Such a water source causes toxicity, water-borne diseases and widely disrupts the aquatic ecosystem.
Apart from the hazardous chemical froth layer on the water of the Yamuna, there are now all
kinds of biodegradable & non-biodegradable waste lying on the ghats which include
garlands, idols, frames of deities, plastic waste, diyas, cloth, garments, burn residue
etc. As per National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, only the use of biodegradable
material is allowed at the ghats to be immersed in the river.
The standard Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level for water bodies is 3mg/l according to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). But reports have revealed arise in BOD levels up to 30 mg/I at several ghats with Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels
plummeting to zero. Yamuna's water quality is currently in the 'E' category, which makes it fit
only for irrigation & industrial usage.
We urge you to care for the environment & the river bodies which make the most essential
part of our Eco system. Let's make the world a better place.
-Vishnu Narayanan Verma