UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 March 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Yamuna River’s Degradation in Delhi

Yamuna River's Degradation in Delhi

A Parliamentary Panel has highlighted the alarming degradation of the Yamuna River in Delhi, stating that its capacity to sustain life is almost non-existent.
The report underscores the severe pollution levels in the river, which have rendered it ecologically dead in the Delhi stretch.

The findings of the Parliamentary Panel have brought attention to the critical state of the Yamuna River, which is one of India’s most polluted rivers.

Pollution Levels:
- The Yamuna River in Delhi is highly polluted, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels exceeding permissible limits by 20-30 times.
- The river receives untreated sewage and industrial effluents, contributing to its degradation.
Ecological Impact:
- The river’s capacity to sustain aquatic life is almost non-existent due to high pollution levels.
- The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels are critically low, making it impossible for most aquatic species to survive.
Human Health Risks:
- The polluted water poses serious health risks to people living along the river, including waterborne diseases and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Untreated Sewage:
- Delhi’s sewage treatment plants (STPs) are inadequate and often non-functional, leading to the discharge of untreated sewage into the river.
Industrial Effluents:
- Industries along the river discharge toxic chemicals and heavy metals without proper treatment.
Solid Waste Dumping:
- The riverbanks are used as dumping grounds for solid waste, further contaminating the water.
Encroachments:
- Illegal encroachments and construction activities have reduced the river’s flow capacity and natural cleansing ability.

Yamuna Action Plan (YAP):
- Launched in 1993, the YAP aims to reduce pollution in the Yamuna River through sewage treatment and riverfront development.
- However, the plan has seen limited success due to poor implementation and lack of coordination among stakeholders.
Namami Gange Programme:
- The Yamuna River is a major tributary of the Ganga and is included in the Namami Gange Programme.
- Despite efforts, pollution levels in the Yamuna remain high due to inadequate funding and delayed projects.
Judicial Interventions:
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court have issued several orders to address Yamuna’s pollution, but compliance remains a challenge.

Upgrading STPs:
- Increase the capacity and efficiency of sewage treatment plants to ensure that all sewage is treated before discharge.
Strict Enforcement:
- Enforce stricter regulations on industrial effluents and solid waste disposal along the river.
Public Awareness:
- Launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of river conservation and waste management.
Riverfront Development:
- Develop the Yamuna riverfront to restore its ecological balance and aesthetic value.

✅ Bio-remediation – Use of bacteria, fungi, and algae to break down pollutants like oil spills and heavy metals.

✅ Bio-filters & Wetlands – Engineered wetlands with plants and microbes that absorb toxins and purify water.

✅ Nano-filters – Nano-membranes that remove microplastics, heavy metals, and pathogens from polluted water.

✅ Nano-adsorbents – Nanoparticles that trap and neutralize contaminants like arsenic and mercury.

✅ IoT Sensors – Real-time detection of pollutants with AI-based data analysis for quick action.

✅ AI-Powered Water Treatment Plants – Adjust filtration processes dynamically based on pollution levels.

✅ Modified Microbes – Genetically engineered bacteria that consume oil spills or break down toxins.

✅ Algae-Based Carbon Capture – Special algae that absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants from water.

✅ Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Catalysts – Use of sunlight to break down pollutants through oxidation.

✅ Plasma-Based Purification – High-energy plasma that destroys toxic chemicals in water.

✅ Virtual River Models – AI-driven simulations to predict pollution patterns and test cleanup strategies.

✅ Remote Sensing & Satellite Monitoring – Track pollution hotspots for targeted interventions.

The Parliamentary Panel’s report highlights the urgent need to address the pollution in the Yamuna River to restore its ecological health and sustainability.
Effective implementation of pollution control measures, public awareness campaigns, and judicial interventions are crucial to reviving the river.