The disposal of domestic sewage waste and toxic industrial waste in Delhi is affecting the river Yamuna severely. We demand STP developments and stricter guidelines of industrial waste disposal to be implemented by the Delhi Government to save the Yamuna river from perishing.

Our Yamuna river, well known for being one of the holiest rivers in the country, is now a drain. This waterway is the second-largest tributary of Ganga, originating from the Yamunotri glacier and merges with the river Ganga. Along its way, it passes through Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. The clear watered stream has become a typical example of a degraded lotic ecosystem turned into a sewage drain due to domestic sewage and untreated industrial waste disposal. The river receives 800 million litres of largely untreated sewage and additional 44 million litres of industrial effluents each day. Delhi is alone responsible for 79% of the entire pollution load in the river. Only 35% of this pollution load that is released into the river is treated. The wastewater mainly comes from household activities, hence containing a high content of detergent, chemical and phosphate compounds. 

Another main issue that adds to the pollution is toxic industrial waste. The water quality monitoring of river Yamuna has indicated a substantial presence of several heavy metals in its water due to the presence of toxic industrial effluents. These heavy metals in water can cause acute health effects such as reduced growth and development, cancer, nervous system damage, organ damage etc.

This problem needs to be fixed for not only the environment but our welfare as well. The Yamuna holds a great religious significance in Hinduism, wherein people bathe in the holy water and perform the last rites of the dead. It is also a colossal socio-economic necessity for our city as well as the whole country. It keeps the Indo-Gangetic plain highly fertile, making it a source for its substantial vegetation. Irrigation is an important use of Yamuna river water. 92% of Yamuna river water is estimated to be used for irrigation. It also accounts for about more than 70% of our city's domestic water supply.

This problem can be solved by us by putting a foot forward and lending our voice to bring relevance to the issue. Delhi Government has guaranteed to undertake this issue by taking the following measures. Firstly, setting up a modern technology plant to treat around 150 MGD (million gallons per day) of polluted waters. Secondly, by linking wastewater to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and taking steps to improve the quality of existing STPs, including upgrading equipment and using innovative processes. Third, by diverting the sewage drain from the river. Fourth, by ensuring that industries process and purify their waste before disposal. The Government has pledged that the Delhi Jal Board will reduce the pollution load in the Yamuna by 90% by 2023. Unfortunately, the progress we are looking for has been promised to us has lagged, and we need your support. Hence, I take the initiative to address this study to the Delhi Jal Board and the Delhi Government to provide the necessary change and resolve the issue. As a concerned citizen, I wish you all to sign the petition to bring change for the good of us, our city and our environment.