The Yamuna River

Rivers play an important role in the lives of Indian people. River systems provide irrigation, drinking water, economic transportation, energy, and livelihood to many. The Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganges. It comes from the Yamunotri Glacier at Bandarpunch Peak, Uttarakhand. It crosses Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, and after that, it touches Uttarakhand and Delhi, and joins Chambal, which is the longest tributary with its own large basin. The Yamuna river flows along the border between Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and joins the Ganges in Allahabad. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, is located on the banks of Yamuna. Yamuna provides water to thousands for irrigation, drinking, cleaning, etc. Delhi’s water supply, for example, depends heavily on Yamuna.

Yamuna River

Yamuna, also known as Jumna, is the main river in northern India, flowing mainly in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is among the country’s most sacred rivers. Like the Ganges, Yamuna is highly regarded in Hinduism and worshipped as a goddess. In Hinduism, the river is also known as Yugi because she is the daughter of the sun god, Surya, and the sister of the god of death, Yama. According to folktales, bathing in the sacred water of Yamuna relieves one of the pain of death. Approximately 57 million people depend on the water of Yamuna, which accounts for more than 70% of Delhi’s water supply.

Yamuna Ghat

The Yamuna Ghat is located near the Kashmere Gate in Delhi. It is one of India’s most visited tourist spots. At dawn, the ghat witnesses a majestic gathering of hundreds of seagulls in groups looking for food, creating a breathtaking scene. 

Causes of Yamuna River Pollution 

In the 19th century, the waters of Yamuna were deep blue, but today, it is considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Yamuna is intensely polluted downstream, with approximately 58% of the waste dumped in the river, and according to a study, most of the pollution comes from Wazirabad, where Yamuna enters Delhi. Some of the causes of pollution in Yamuna are:

1. Sewage Waste

Sewage is a major cause of river pollution. Delhi produces 327 crore litres of daily sewage waste. In addition, the total capacity of all sewage treatment plants in Delhi is 276 crore litres of waste per day. This means that 52 crore litres of wastewater flow daily into the river.

2. Pollution caused by agricultural land

Pesticides used on agricultural land are directly responsible for polluting Yamuna. Fertiliser is converted to ammonia, which lowers oxygen levels in the water. Low oxygen in the water leads to the death of aquatic animals.

3. Domestic Waste

Domestic waste is another cause of pollution in Yamuna. Most domestic waste is dumped in rivers by households, which leads to pollution of the river.

Ways to Reduce River Pollution

1. There is an urgent need to construct new sewage treatment plants and increase the capacity of existing plants. Existing systems must be updated because, with the use of older technologies, even treated water is dirty.
2. Properly treating business and industrial waste
3. Increasing the connection of domestic drainage in the city can be a way to combat river pollution. Many people have not yet connected to the sewerage system in the city. Numerous households drain sewage directly into local nullahs.
4. Awareness campaigns stating the impact of river pollution on the general public and aquatic life can reduce river pollution.

These are some of the effective ways through which river pollution can be minimised.

Significance of Yamuna

Yamuna is one of the largest and longest tributaries of the Ganges. The length from its starting point to where it joins the Ganges is about 1,376 km. This is of strategic significance due to many reasons.

First, the deposits help maintain the fertility of the soil in the areas where it intersects. People living near the banks of Yamuna use the flowing water for various purposes, primarily for irrigation. Yamuna is responsible for the water supply of all the four states through which it flows and serves about 70% of Delhi’s water system.

Yamuna not only feeds many, but is also home to many wildlife species such as Asian elephants. It is one of the most important places associated with Lord Krishna, Grim Reaper Yama, Sun God Surya, and River Goddess Yamuna. Immersing oneself in Yamuna is sacred, and it is considered as sacred as the Ganges itself, so it is a spiritual place, especially for Hindus.

Conclusion

Yamuna is one of India’s most sacred rivers. It is the largest side stream of the Ganges. Originating in the Yamunotri Glacier in the Mussoorie mountains, the Yamuna passes 1,376 km and flows into the Ganges in Allahabad. Being the largest side stream of the Ganges, we cannot deny that it is the most polluted river in the world. Various measures are being taken to reduce pollution in Yamuna.