Yamuna River: A Tragedy of Pollution and Neglect

Introduction

River begins in the Himalayas, teeming with life for hundreds of kilometers.
In Delhi, it undergoes severe pollution and degradation.
Wajirabad Behradj: Clean water exists before this point; major pollution occurs after.
- 400 km of clean water before the barrage; only 22 km of polluted water after.
- Water is heavily contaminated with heavy metals, toxic substances, and pesticides.
- Oxygen levels are zero in parts of the river, making it impossible for aquatic life.

Planting crops along the Yamuna banned by Supreme Court due to contamination fears.
- Law poorly enforced, leading to contaminated produce reaching Delhi.
Sikanda, a local worker, collects trash from the river for income, earning up to 5000 rupees a month.
Cultural Significance: Hindus view the Yamuna as a goddess; many pilgrims gather for prayer and immersion.

Factories discharge sewage and industrial effluent into the river.
- Case Study: Dyeing factory near Mathura contributes chemicals from the dyeing process to the river.
Over 60 million people depend on the Yamuna for water, including residents of Patipachgai village.

Villagers report health issues due to contaminated drinking water.
- Government-installed filters are non-functional and neglected.
- Residents forced to drink contaminated water despite knowing the risks.

Local activist Bridge Khandelwal advocates for the river's restoration.
- Historical context: The river was once considered pure and of high quality.
Uttarakhand High Court ruling recognizes rivers as living entities with rights.
- Raises questions about enforceability of these rights.
Community prayer ceremonies held to bless materials for potential river restoration initiatives.