Today, we are going to talk about something that truly touches the heart of every Indian – the cleaning of the sacred Yamuna River.
Recently, two videos related to Yamuna’s cleanup efforts went viral on social media, and the reason is clear – people finally want to see progress. They want to see change, and this time, a positive step has actually been taken.
A Long Mission Begins: Yamuna River Clean-up
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor has made it clear – cleaning the Yamuna river will be a long and challenging process, expected to take up to 3 years. But the first and most visible step is already underway – removing the floating waste from the surface. For this, trash skimmers have been deployed.
As someone who lives in Delhi, it was heartbreaking to see the river in such a polluted state. Yamuna, one of India’s most important rivers, originates in Yamunotri (Uttarakhand) and flows through several states before merging with the Ganga. Despite being a lifeline for millions, it had become a symbol of neglect.
We all remember the images during Chhath Puja – devotees performing prayers surrounded by toxic foam. International media like The New York Times even published reports questioning how such a vital river in the capital city could be left in such a condition.
A National Embarrassment
The sight of foam in the Yamuna, especially during religious festivals, invited harsh criticism from around the world. Racist comments and insensitive remarks flooded social media, especially from troll accounts based in countries like Turkey and Pakistan. But if we’re being honest – we can’t blame others entirely. This is a mess we allowed to happen.
Now, finally, progress is visible. With the help of machines, trash is being removed from the surface of the river, and in a heartening development – Yamuna Aarti has resumed after a long time.
The Real Plan: Four-Stage Cleanup Process
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor has announced a 4-step cleanup strategy for Yamuna:
- Cleaning the River Bed: Removing garbage, debris, and silt from the riverbed – a crucial first step to allow cleaner water flow.
- Draining the Drains: Two major drains – Najafgarh and Supplementary – are significant polluters. Cleaning these is critical.
- Stopping Sewage Flow: Most of Delhi’s sewage flows directly into the Yamuna. The goal is to completely stop this within 2 years by upgrading sewage treatment plants.
- Long-Term Planning: With India’s population expected to rise significantly, Delhi will need larger and more efficient STPs (Sewage Treatment Plants) with higher capacity to handle future loads.
Examples from Around the World
India is not alone. Major rivers in global capitals have faced similar pollution crises:
- London’s Thames River was so polluted in the 1800s that the era was called “The Great Stink.” Eventually, a new sewage system saved the city.
- Moscow’s Moskva River, from which part of “BrahMos” missile’s name is derived, was cleaned with careful planning.
- Poland’s Vistula River and New York’s Hudson River also underwent massive cleaning operations.
If they can do it, so can India. IAS officer Ajit Pawar helped revive the dying Kham River in Maharashtra with public and institutional efforts. Though the Yamuna is much bigger, it can also be restored.
Past Efforts and Lessons Learned
Let’s not forget – between 2017 and 2021, Rs. 6,800 crore was spent on Yamuna cleanup, yet pollution levels hardly improved. This time, a more proactive approach is being taken, with real-time monitoring and accountability.
Political Questions Raised
Some political parties like the Trinamool Congress are questioning why the Yamuna cleanup wasn’t done earlier. Is it politically timed? Such questions are expected, but what matters is that the work has finally begun.
Conclusion: A River Worth Saving
The Yamuna is more than just a water body – it is part of India’s soul. Its revival isn’t just a government responsibility; it’s our collective duty. The journey will be long, but if the current plan is executed sincerely, we could see a clean Yamuna by the end of 2027.