In a call to action aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the Yamuna River, concerned citizens and environmental experts convened at an environment seminar held at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The gathering, attended by renowned environmentalists, engineers, and former bureaucrats, highlighted pressing concerns surrounding illegal construction activities and degradation of the Yamuna floodplain.
Green Circle of Delhi, drew attention to ongoing construction activities on the Yamuna floodplain between Bela Farm and Garhi Mandu in northeast Delhi. Shockingly, a government institution was found to be responsible for these unauthorized developments. Green Circle emphasized the urgent need to address such violations in accordance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal, stressing the immediate cessation of all construction and dumping activities along the Yamuna floodplain.
Former Union environment secretary Ashok Lavasa echoed concerns over the deteriorating health of the Yamuna, emphasizing the necessity of developing a comprehensive river quality index akin to the air quality index. Lavasa highlighted the decline in the river’s flow and underscored the importance of prioritizing ecological preservation over aesthetic considerations.
Experts at the seminar emphasized the multifaceted challenges facing the Yamuna, including silted wetlands, invasive alien species, and contaminated floodplains. They called for concerted efforts to restore the river’s natural habitat, revitalize wetlands, and implement stringent regulations to prevent further degradation. Sanitation experts emphasized the critical role of rainwater harvesting in replenishing groundwater levels and mitigating water scarcity. Success stories from residential colonies like Anand Lok in south Delhi underscored the potential of community-led initiatives in water conservation.
Deeksha Katyal from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University raised concerns about the contamination of floodplain soils by heavy metals, posing risks to agricultural produce. The seminar concluded with a collective resolve to advocate for sustainable practices, stringent enforcement of environmental regulations, and greater public awareness to safeguard the Yamuna’s ecological health for future generations.
