#LetterToRiver: Yamuna River by Dr Drishti Sagar - Reverence for Yamuna's Flow

Dear River,

Flowing through the heart of Delhi is my beloved Yamuna River. Originating from the Yamunotri glacier in Uttarakhand, with a length of about 1376 kilometres, it merges with the Ganga at Prayagraj, the site of Kumbh Mela. It is a well-known fact that Yamuna is the second largest tributary of the river Ganga, and the longest tributary of India. It is our valuable natural asset. According to Hindy mythology, she is believed to be the daughter of sun god, Surya, and is worshiped as the Goddess Yamuna. As per popular legends, bathing in Yamuna’s sacred waters cleanses the mind from sins, and frees one from the torments of death.

Not only is it sacred and worshipped, it also accounts for 70% of Delhi’s water supply. More than 57 million people depend on it for their day-to-day needs. The Western Yamuna Canal (WYC) originates from the Yamuna River and carries the river water in southerly direction. The Munak Canal is an offshoot of WYC with the Delhi sub-branch terminating at Haiderpur. Both these canals are important sources of water for the national capital. Having said that, rapid urbanization and industrialization along the river banks have immensely contributed to the river pollution.

Once a pristine blue asset, these holy waters are now facing the threats of mankind. Poor quality of water discharged from treatment plants and untreated wastewater are the major sources of Yamuna's pollution in Delhi. To address this menace of river pollution, humungous efforts have been undertaken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the Yamuna Action Plan. These include building new sewage treatment plants, expanding capacity of existing plants, and rehabilitating sewers. 

However, raising public participation and awareness will continue to be the most integral component of abatement of river pollution. One should aim to raise self-awareness through engagement with environment non-government organizations (NGOs), community groups, and water campaigns. Large events can be organized with celebrity endorsements with adequate coverage by national television, radio, and print media. Environmental stewardship can be promoted by encouraging companies to report their social and environmental performance through corporate social responsibility.

They say that ‘Actions are stronger than words’. Oh Yamuna, I pray with folded hands that it is high time we realize your immense power. You are truly a deity for providing us nourishment and support with your holy waters. I urge every citizen to actively participate in cleansing efforts of your pious waters. Hope we are able to save you timely before you vanish like the mighty Saraswati!