Water water everywhere, but what’s in Yamuna?

Images Credit Social Media
In the ancient city of Varanasi, a small group of environmental activists gathered at dawn to perform the traditional aarti ceremony - not on the banks of the Ganges, but miles away from any river. Their symbolic protest highlighted a harsh reality: India's sacred rivers are dying, and with them, centuries of cultural heritage and ecological balance hang in the balance. This scene, playing out in one of India's oldest cities, serves as a poignant reminder of how water politics has become inextricably linked with the fate of millions across the subcontinent. As climate change intensifies and urbanization accelerates, the battle for clean water has transformed from a mere environmental concern into a complex web of political maneuvering and social justice.
The story of the Yamuna River in Delhi serves as perhaps the most striking example of this modern crisis. Yamuna, once a vibrant lifeline for millions, has become a focal point of political strife and environmental degradation. As the political landscape heats up in Delhi with the upcoming elections, the blame game between the Delhi and Haryana governments over the river's pollution has reached a fever pitch. This ongoing row not only highlights the contentious relationship between these states but also underscores a grim reality: the Yamuna is in dire straits, and its health directly impacts the lives of Delhiites.
The recent accusations made by Arvind Kejriwal against the Haryana government for "poisoning" the Yamuna have sparked a flurry of media attention and public discourse. Kejriwal's claims are not merely political posturing; they are rooted in alarming statistics regarding water quality. According to data from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), ammonia levels in the Yamuna have spiked to over 3 parts per million (ppm) on numerous occasions, far exceeding the safe threshold of 1 ppm for treatment plants. Recently, DJB Chief revealed in a letter that the water coming to Wazirabad water treatment plant recorded an unbelievable 6.4 ppm. This plant gets water primarily from Haryana.
Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that there is no deliberate pollution from his state. However, experts indicate that while Haryana does contribute to the river’s woes, Delhi is responsible for a staggering 76% of the Yamuna’s overall pollution. This statistic is crucial; it shifts some focus back onto Delhi’s own practices and infrastructure failures.
The current state of the Yamuna is alarming. The river is often described as a "dead river," particularly in its stretch through Delhi, where it meets an open drain approximately every 1.2 kilometers. The Najafgarh drain, one of the largest sources of pollution, discharges untreated sewage into the river, exacerbating an already critical situation. According to reports, 85% of the pollution in the Yamuna originates from domestic sources, primarily from urban centers like Delhi and its neighboring regions.
The implications of this pollution crisis extend beyond mere inconvenience; they pose severe health risks to residents. High ammonia levels can lead to kidney damage and other health issues when ingested through contaminated drinking water. Moreover, as dissolved oxygen levels plummet—dropping to zero beyond Wazirabad—the aquatic ecosystem suffers tremendously, leading to mass fish deaths and further degradation of water quality.
The DJB has reported that during ammonia spikes, treatment plants are forced to dilute water from other sources like the Munak canal due to their inability to handle elevated ammonia levels. This dilution process is not a sustainable solution; it merely masks a deeper problem that requires urgent attention and action.
While political leaders engage in mudslinging, it is essential to focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes. The Namami Gange Programme, which aims to abate pollution in rivers across India, includes several projects targeting Yamuna pollution with an investment of around ₹2,419 crore. However, many of these projects are still in various stages of implementation and have yet to yield significant results.
Experts emphasize that effective management of wastewater and industrial effluents must be prioritized. This includes upgrading sewage treatment facilities and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations among industries discharging waste into the river. Without such measures, any progress will remain superficial at best.
As citizens of Delhi navigate their daily lives amid this environmental crisis, it becomes increasingly clear that accountability is paramount. Both state governments must acknowledge their roles in this ongoing disaster rather than deflect blame onto one another. The people deserve clean water—it's not just a luxury; it's a fundamental right.
Moreover, public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating residents about water conservation and pollution prevention measures they can adopt at home. Simple actions like reducing plastic use can contribute to larger efforts aimed at cleaning up our waterways.
The Yamuna River serves as a critical reminder of our interconnectedness with nature and each other. As we witness this political row unfold, let us not lose sight of the real issue at hand: a dying river that sustains millions. The statistics are sobering; they tell a story that goes beyond politics and points directly to our collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship.
In this age where information is readily available at our fingertips, we must harness it not just for debate but for action. It’s time for both governments to put aside their differences and work collaboratively toward restoring the Yamuna to its former glory—a goal that should unite us all rather than divide us further. After all, when it comes to clean water, there should be no party lines drawn—just common sense and shared humanity guiding us forward.