Yamuna….a river which is facing the wrath of the cruelty of mankind towards our rivers. The toxicity level of the polluted water of this religiously pious river is dangerous in and around Delhi. But, in the upper courses of Uttrakhand one can still experience clear water of river Yamuna. The river here flows through the mountainous terrains into the valley. The clear blue water gorges through the rocky terrain depicting as if almighty has laid a blue satin ribbon over a white linen. The landscape in the upper courses of Uttrakhand is still beautiful and serene. But with the rapid urbanisation, unsustained tourism, I wonder for how long mother nature will be able to hide this beauty and the biodiversity associated in her arms.
©sumanmitraphotography
Today I got the news that ahead of US president’s visit to Taj Mahal in Agra around 500 cusecs of water has been released from Upper Ganga Canal to meet water scarcity and improve the environmental condition of flowing along one of the seven wonders of the world. River Ganga according to Hindu mythology purifies the impure, I hope this effort might ease the purification process of River Yamuna even though Yamuna is the tributary of Ganga. Atleast for few days River Yamuna will be breathing. I am thankful to American President that amidst his visit to India, these clean up projects are actually realised and getting implemented. For few days we will witness that river Yamuna is flowing clean atleast around Taj Mahal.
Massive cleaning up projects are being taken up for the same and the government is also shelling ample funds. Afterall Mr. and Mrs. Trump are our guests and in India we believe in athiti devobhava. After the implementation of Swachch Bharat mission, this might be the first time one might experience the true vibes of Swachchata aka cleanliness that too along one strip in India ie Delhi -Agra- Ahmedabad. Sometimes I feel India is getting limited only in this particular region. This cleaning process will again go back to the same pace because everytime this much quantity of water cant be released to Yamuna through canals, moreover we are used to the basic idea that Yamuna is polluted (status quo).
The global warming has already affected the melting of the massive glaciers in Yamunotri. The clear water flows through Uttarakhand down to the Indo-Gangetic plain where it gets polluted. The rate of pollution entering in Yamuna is higher than the cleaner water being added up in the mainstream. Why the Yamuna river can’t be cleaned permanently ? I wonder for how long we will live with this virtual happiness and put our future at stake.
Today it’s a river and tomorrow entire mankind….!!!!!
