Agra: River activists in Agra are up in arms over the government's delay in executing the Supreme Court's directive to de-silt the Yamuna riverbed. This measure aims to increase the river's holding capacity and de-choke aquifers for better water percolation. Members of the River Connect Campaign have staged a dharna, vowing to continue their protest until the monsoon rains hit the city.

The Supreme Court's directive came in response to a plea by senior advocate KC Jain, who stressed the urgent need to clean the riverbed to raise the water table and protect the foundations of Mughal monuments along the Yamuna's banks. The court ordered the Taj Trapezium Zone Authority, the Agra Municipal Corporation, and the Agra Development Authority to devise a desilting plan, with the next hearing set for July 11.

The Agra Divisional Commissioner, also the TTZ chairperson, has called for expert reports and surveys before commencing work. However, officials from the Irrigation Department claim that there is no precedent for river desilting, as they believe the river self-cleans during the monsoon. They also question evidence suggesting the riverbed's level has risen.

Contrarily, environmentalists argue that the Yamuna riverbed has hardened due to layers of polythene, plastics, industrial waste, and sewage. River Connect Campaigner Devashish Bhattacharya highlights the stark transformation of the Yamuna from a once-navigable river to a polluted wasteland. From Prayagraj to Delhi ferries, big boats were used to transport goods and people. Bio-diversity researcher Mukul Pandya points out the river's current inability to hold or retain water, leaving the moats of the Agra Fort dry and causing a steep drop in the water table along the river.

Petitioner KC Jain is gathering data and photographs to present in court to expedite the dredging and desilting operations. He warns that further delay could mean pushing action back by another six to eight months, as the monsoon season approaches. Activists criticize the authorities for their lack of seriousness and accuse them of merely passing the buck.