The Yamuna River, once a vital lifeline for Delhi, has now become a symbol of environmental degradation and political failure. Historically, the Yamuna was cherished for its clean, flowing waters, and many claim that at one time it was even purer than the Ganga. Today, however, the river is synonymous with pollution, toxic foam, and environmental negligence. This crisis has been exacerbated over the years, and much of the blame has been directed towards Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, for what critics describe as a series of broken promises and failed policies.
The Promises: Kejriwal’s Vows to Clean Yamuna and Ganga
Arvind Kejriwal’s political narrative has long involved promises to clean the Yamuna and Ganga rivers. In 2015, shortly after taking office, Kejriwal assured the people of Delhi that he would restore both rivers to their former purity within five years. His commitment was greeted with hope, as Delhiites longed for a cleaner environment and a return to the days when the Yamuna was not the polluted mess it had become.
However, as the five-year mark approached in 2019, the promised transformation had not occurred. Instead of delivering results, Kejriwal extended his timeline, stating that he would need two more years. The revised goal was to clean the rivers by 2021. Yet, when 2021 arrived, the Yamuna was still in a dire state. Kejriwal again pushed the deadline further, this time to February 2025, saying that by then the Yamuna would be so clean that people could take picnics along its banks.
Pollution Levels: Doubling Under Kejriwal’s Tenure
Critics argue that the pollution in the Yamuna has not only persisted but worsened significantly during Kejriwal’s tenure. Data from various reports, including those by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), show that the river’s pollution levels have doubled since he took office in 2014. One of the most telling indicators of water quality is the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level, which measures the amount of oxygen required to break down organic material in the water. The global standard for BOD is 5 mg/L, and water with higher levels is considered polluted.
When the Yamuna enters Delhi at Palla, its BOD levels are within acceptable limits at around 5 mg/L. However, by the time the river reaches Okhla Barrage, after passing through the city, the pollution levels skyrocket. In 2014, the BOD at Okhla was 32 mg/L, but by 2023, it had reached a staggering 93 mg/L. This is nearly three times the level recorded when Kejriwal first came to power. Such figures indicate a sharp deterioration in water quality, with toxic foam regularly forming on the river’s surface, a visible sign of the untreated sewage and industrial waste that flow into it.
Failed Investments and Infrastructure Issues
Over the years, the Delhi government has invested heavily in efforts to clean the Yamuna. According to reports, more than ₹7,000 crore has been spent on projects aimed at reducing pollution. Yet, despite this substantial expenditure, there has been little to no improvement in the river’s condition. One of the key issues is the massive amount of untreated wastewater being discharged into the Yamuna. Delhi produces around 3,500 million liters of wastewater every day, much of which ends up in the river. Out of 92 major drains in the city, 62 continue to pour untreated sewage directly into the Yamuna.
Several sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been built over the years, with additional projects announced in 2022, costing upwards of ₹3,200 crore. However, these plants are often inadequate for handling the city’s vast amount of waste. In many cases, the capacity of the treatment plants is far below what is required to process all of the sewage being produced. As a result, untreated water continues to flow into the river, compounding the pollution problem.
The lack of tangible results has led many to accuse the government of mismanagement, corruption, and prioritizing publicity over action. Kejriwal’s administration has faced accusations of spending more on media campaigns and public relations than on actually solving the problem. Critics argue that the government’s approach has been more about maintaining a positive image than about addressing the root causes of pollution.
The Experts Weigh In: Government Negligence and Denial
Environmental experts have consistently pointed to negligence as the primary reason for the Yamuna’s dire state. They argue that the toxic foam seen on the river’s surface is a direct result of untreated sewage mixing with industrial pollutants. The foaming is a sign of high concentrations of phosphates and surfactants, both of which come from detergents and chemicals in untreated wastewater.
Experts have also highlighted the government’s tendency to downplay the severity of the situation. Instead of addressing the root causes of pollution, they argue that officials have relied on superficial solutions and empty promises. The Kejriwal government has launched multiple schemes over the years, but the results have been limited. For example, despite announcing an ambitious plan in 2022 to clean the Yamuna by February 2025, there has been little progress in actually reducing the volume of untreated waste entering the river.
Political Implications: Election Promises and Public Backlash
As the 2025 elections approach, Kejriwal’s unfulfilled promises regarding the Yamuna are likely to become a focal point of political debate. Critics have accused him of using the river’s plight as a tool for electoral gain, repeatedly making promises of cleaning the Yamuna just before elections and then failing to deliver. The February 2025 deadline for cleaning the river, which conveniently coincides with the next Delhi assembly elections, has been seen by some as a tactical move to delay accountability.
Opposition parties and environmental activists have raised concerns that Kejriwal’s government is more focused on winning elections than on solving Delhi’s environmental issues. Many have pointed to the fact that despite spending thousands of crores on cleaning the Yamuna, the situation remains worse than ever.
The Future of the Yamuna
The future of the Yamuna River hangs in the balance as both environmentalists and citizens of Delhi await concrete action. The Kejriwal government has time and again promised to address the river’s pollution, but the lack of visible progress has led to growing skepticism. With elections approaching in 2025, the issue of the Yamuna’s pollution is set to become a major talking point, and Kejriwal’s administration will likely face increased scrutiny.
Ultimately, the fate of the Yamuna will depend on whether the government can finally implement effective solutions to curb pollution and restore the river’s health. Until then, the Yamuna remains a tragic reminder of what happens when political promises go unfulfilled and environmental issues are sidelined for electoral gains.