The Cry of the Yamuna River

The Sewage-laden discharges to the Yamuna River in Agra (Balkeswar Ghat) and New Delhi (Nizamuddin bridge and other areas) is captured here by the Blue Yamuna Team. Visit http://rowfoundation.org/row/ for further details.
There was a massive fish kill near Gau Ghat, UP, India in October 2007 due to a serious pollution in the Yamuna water. A precursor to this deadly pollution was observed by the Blue Yamuna team at this particular section of the Yamuna River between Mathura and Agra on December 16, 2000. Floating globules were observed, water analyses were conducted, and authorities were notified by the team members about detection of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) in the water sample. Along with a few volunteers from Agra and Delhi I had noticed traces of hydrocarbons in the Yamuna at the same site (Gau Ghat) for the first time during a visit to the village on the Bank of the Yamuna River, on December 16, 2000. An unplanned, sampling was conducted from a boat from the central part of the ½-mile wide river. Although it was done impromptu, a lot of care was taken in sampling the floating globules. With our persistence, followed by media support, informational backup and certified reports, action was finally taken by UP’s chief principal secretary on November 30, 2007, by proclaiming immediate stoppage of all refinery waste/effluents into any natural drainage ditches leading to the Yamuna River. The waste water according to the order would have to be re-used, or re-cycled, but it can not be released into the River.

A small step, keen observation, and persistent move finally made a small difference to a huge eco system. Two months after the discharge to natural drains were stopped by the refinery, the local eco system at Gau Ghat (see Photo) seemed to be bouncing back and the water looked much clearer during a visit by the team on Jan 20, 2008.

We are doing our best to protect the clean resources and headwaters of the Yamuna River. Our project plans and actions are updated regularly at http://www.rowfoundation.org

Duration : 0:9:17

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