In 1909, one could distinguish River Yamuna with its clear blue hue and sweet water. From its pristine glacier source, Yamunotri, the River flows through the States of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and UT Delhi. Finally, it merges into River Ganga at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
During this time, it gushes through a distance of 1300 km and takes care of the water needs of 57 million people en route—also 70% of Delhi’s water supply. Moreover, the Upper Yamuna flowing a distance of 375 km from Yamunotri until it enters 10 km south of Delhi is of reasonably good quality.
What happens to the Yamuna after that is nightmarish. As the river enters Delhi, between the Wazirabad Barrage and Okhla Barrage, a 22 km stretch, maximum river pollution happens. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) noted that the Union Territory of Delhi generates 3800 million liters of sewage, eventually polluting the river.
However, the Yamuna is all set to become sewage-free very soon. The National Mission for Clean Gange (NMCG) Director-General, G. Asok Kumar, said that no untreated sewage would flow into River Yamuna from this December.
He said polluted water from all the 18 drains entering the Yamuna would be tapped and diverted to Sewage Treatment Plants. Then the treated water will be rediverted to the River to improve its flow.
Further, focusing on cleaning River Yamuna, NCMG is starting Namami Gange Yamuna of Delhi Area (NGYodha). It would ensure that the water is of bathing quality. He said nonpoint sources of pollution like the Dhobi ghats, which let soapy water, will also be looked into regarding foam in the River.
A Clean Yamuna will benefit Delhi and regions downstream, cater to irrigation, and restore the area’s ecology. Once the mission is successful, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) should replicate the idea wherever water bodies are in dire states.
Statistics and data reference: Wikipedia
Image Source: Aljazeera