GS Paper 3:
Syllabus: Conservation related issues.
Context:
River activists have demanded prompt measures to save the Yamuna river.
Demands by activists:
- Construct the Rubber check dam downstream of the Taj Mahal.
- Revisit the 1994 Yamuna water distribution agreement to ensure a larger share of Yamuna water for Agra and Mathura.
- Frame a comprehensive national rivers policy.
- Constitute a central rivers authority for management of all big rivers in the country.
Why is Yamuna so polluted?
- The sewage treatment plants of Delhi are major contributors of the Pollutants being discharged in the river.
- Pollutants discharge from different types of industry is also a major issue.
- Agriculture activities along the banks of the river in Delhi contributes to river pollution.
- Agricultural waste and pesticide discharge from the Haryana field also contributes to the pollution.
- The low volume of water flow in the river causes the pollutants to accumulate and raise the pollution level.
About Yamuna River:
- The river Yamuna is a major tributary of river Ganges.
- Originates from the Yamunotri glacier near Bandarpoonch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the lower Himalayas in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
- It meets the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh after flowing through Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.
- Tributaries: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa and Ken.
Insta Curious:
Did you know that the right to clean the environment, and further, pollution-free water, has been protected under the broad rubric of the right to life?
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Yamuna and its tributaries.
- Riparian states.
- Pollutants and their sources.
Mains Link:
Discuss about the efforts by the Government to prevent river pollution in India.
Q. 5) Consider the following statements:
- River Yamuna originates near Bandarpoonch peaks.
- It meets the Ganges at the Sangam in Prayagraj.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- 1 only.
- 2 only.
- Both.
- None.
Sources: Indian Express
