The Vanishing Promise: The Unfulfilled Pledge to Clean the Yamuna
During the last election, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a bold promise: he would take a dip in the Yamuna once it was cleaned. Fast forward to 2025, and that promise remains unfulfilled. The river, once a lifeline of the city, continues to struggle under the weight of pollution, neglect, and empty assurances.
The Grim Reality of the Yamuna
Taking even a single step into the Yamuna today is an unthinkable act. The water, thick with industrial waste, sewage, and toxins, is far from the pristine river it once was. If you were to release a truckload of fish into the river, they would not survive for long. The pollution has reached catastrophic levels, raising urgent questions: how much more can the Yamuna endure? Where are the concrete actions to revive it?
Despite multiple government-funded projects aimed at cleaning the river, its condition continues to deteriorate. Money is spent, projects are launched, yet the river remains a cesspool of waste. Instead of taking decisive action against major polluters, authorities often shift the blame to religious practices like idol immersions. However, the real culprits—untreated sewage and industrial discharge—remain largely unaddressed.
The Yamuna’s Cultural and Ecological Significance
The Yamuna is more than just a river; it is deeply ingrained in India’s cultural and spiritual fabric. It is even mentioned in the National Anthem. Moreover, it is the largest tributary of the Ganga, and any effort to clean the Ganga must begin with restoring the Yamuna. Unfortunately, without consistent efforts, the Ganga’s fate remains tied to the Yamuna’s slow demise.
Years ago, devotees flocked to the Yamuna to take a holy dip, believing in its sacredness. Today, that number has dwindled. The water’s toxicity has not only driven away worshippers but also disrupted the livelihoods of boatmen and vendors who once thrived on the river’s banks.
Investigating the Source of the Crisis
Determined to understand the root of the problem, I traveled along the Yamuna, witnessing firsthand its journey through various regions. What I found was alarming—the Yamuna in Delhi is made up almost entirely of sewage. The river receives no natural flow of fresh water before reaching the capital. Water is diverted for agricultural and industrial use, leaving behind a stagnant, polluted stream.
Another major issue is the inefficiency of Delhi’s sewage treatment plants. Despite the presence of multiple facilities, most operate below capacity or remain dysfunctional. Instead of being treated, wastewater is directly dumped into the river, worsening its already dire condition. The countless drains emptying into the Yamuna have turned it into a massive drainage system rather than a natural waterway.
The Political Slogan That Fails to Deliver
Every few years, politicians bring up the Yamuna’s cleanup as an election promise. Yet, nothing substantial is done. Over ₹4,000 crores have been spent on so-called Yamuna cleaning projects, but where is the progress? The river is still dying, and the city’s dependence on it for water only exacerbates the crisis.
Adding to the problem, Delhi has lost more than 1,100 water bodies over the years. The disappearance of these natural reservoirs has placed even more stress on the Yamuna, as urbanization and water mismanagement continue unchecked.
Can the Yamuna Be Saved?
The answer is yes. The COVID-19 lockdown of 2021 provided clear evidence that the Yamuna can heal itself. When industrial activities came to a halt, the river’s water quality improved significantly within months. This proved that if we stop polluting it and allow it to flow freely, the Yamuna has the capacity for self-restoration.
However, the current governance model is fragmented. Different departments manage various aspects of water control, leading to a lack of coordination. A unified and comprehensive approach is necessary to address the crisis effectively.
A Call to Action
Instead of investing in ineffective cleaning projects, the focus should be on restoring the Yamuna’s natural flow. The river’s self-cleaning ability can only function if there is a consistent supply of fresh water.
The Yamuna is not just a body of water—it is a symbol of our history, culture, and survival. Until we recognize its importance and take meaningful action, the river will continue to suffer, and so will the millions who depend on it.
It’s time to move beyond promises and start implementing real change. Otherwise, the day is not far when Delhi will face an irreversible water crisis, with the Yamuna reduced to nothing but a toxic drain.