Why in News?
The Yamuna River, a crucial water source for Delhi, has become a major topic ahead of the Delhi elections. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has alleged that Haryana is responsible for polluting the water supplied to Delhi, sparking legal disputes and Election Commission interventions. However, beyond political blame games, the Yamuna faces critical challenges—drinking water shortages, pollution, and reduced environmental flow. Addressing these issues requires long-term inter-state cooperation rather than political conflicts.
Introduction
The Yamuna River plays a vital role in Delhi’s water supply but suffers from severe pollution, inadequate flow, and governance disputes. The issue has gained prominence with the approaching elections, yet the problem extends far beyond political discussions. A sustainable solution requires scientific and administrative action. This article examines the key concerns surrounding the Yamuna—its role as a drinking water source, pollution levels, and environmental sustainability—while emphasizing the necessity of inter-state cooperation.
The Yamuna as a Drinking Water Source
Delhi relies on water from Haryana via the Wazirabad Barrage.
Reduced water discharge from Haryana leads to acute shortages in Delhi.
Polluted water from Haryana’s Hathnikund Barrage worsens water quality.
Water shortages disrupt areas like Wazirabad, Okhla, and Chandrawal, affecting treatment plants.
Delhi frequently faces drinking water crises due to unpredictable supply.
Pollution Concerns in the Yamuna
The river is highly polluted due to various sources:
Sewage & Industrial Effluents: Discharge from licensed and unlicensed industries.
Solid Waste Dumping: Inefficient waste disposal systems worsen contamination.
Stormwater Drain Overflow: Carries untreated pollutants into the river.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) formed the Yamuna Monitoring Committee (YMC) (2018-2022) to track pollution levels.
Key polluting drains: Najafgarh, Supplementary, and Shahdara drains.
Stakeholders responsible for pollution:
Delhi Jal Board
Delhi Development Authority
Governments of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh
Pollution control commitments remain largely unfulfilled despite NGT directives.
Environmental Flow & River Health
Environmental flow ensures the river maintains ecological balance.
Excessive upstream withdrawals reduce the Yamuna’s flow, intensifying pollution.
The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) recommends controlled water releases during dry seasons.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) highlights the need for consistent environmental flow.
Stagnant water due to low flow increases toxicity levels and prevents natural purification.
Impact & Implications
Health & Safety Risks
Contaminated drinking water increases risks of waterborne diseases.
Water shortages force residents to rely on unsafe alternatives.
Long-term exposure to polluted water can cause serious public health crises.
Governance & Legal Challenges
Lack of coordination between Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh affects water management.
Despite Supreme Court and NGT orders, enforcement remains weak.
Political blame games delay effective policy implementation.
Ecological Consequences
Reduced water flow harms aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
High pollution levels disrupt marine life and degrade river health.
Increased toxicity levels make river restoration costly and challenging.
Economic & Social Impact
Water crises disrupt daily life, affecting schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Low-income communities bear the brunt of water shortages.
Industrial pollution can result in economic losses due to environmental violations.
The Way Forward: A Call for Consensus
Inter-State Cooperation on Water Sharing
A permanent inter-state water management body must be established.
Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh should collaborate on water regulation.
Strengthening Pollution Control Measures
Industries must be held accountable for untreated effluent discharge.
Municipal bodies must upgrade sewage treatment infrastructure.
Strict enforcement of environmental laws is essential.
Ensuring Minimum Environmental Flow
Controlled water releases from upstream barrages should be mandatory.
Recommendations from NIH and NMCG should be implemented to maintain river health.
Public Awareness & Citizen Participation
Mass awareness campaigns should promote responsible waste disposal.
Citizens must actively demand accountability from authorities.
Conclusion
The Yamuna’s crisis is not just a political issue but an environmental and public health emergency. Addressing the problem requires cooperative governance, strict pollution control, and scientific management of water resources. Sustainable solutions—rather than election-driven blame games—are essential to restore the Yamuna. A clean and healthy Yamuna is a shared responsibility that must take precedence over political disputes.
