Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's success in the Delhi Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River. He has decided to prioritize a major river cleaning and purification program. This has sparked new hope among residents of the Braj region, including Agra, Mathura, and Vrindavan. 

In Delhi, nearly 80 per cent of the Yamuna's water is polluted. Industrial waste, sewage, construction debris, and toxic drains further contaminate the river. If the Delhi government takes concrete steps to clean the Yamuna, this grave issue could gradually be resolved. 

Read in Hindi: आखिर मोदी ने सुनी यमुना की पुकार, प्रदूषण-मुक्ति व पुनरुद्धार की बढ़ी उम्मीद

The Yamuna River, which has been a symbol of India's cultural and spiritual identity for centuries, is now a victim of pollution and neglect. Once nourishing the land with its pristine waters, the river has lost its identity due to filth and encroachment. Settlements along its banks and industrial waste have further polluted it. Plastic bags floating on its surface and its murky water tell the tale of its plight. The river's waves now seem to sigh, as if calling out for help. 

The Yamuna is one of India's most important rivers, serving as a major water source for millions of people. Additionally, it holds immense religious and cultural significance. Environmentalist Dr Devashish Bhattacharya says, "Today, the river is in crisis due to pollution, illegal mining, and mismanagement. Industrial and sewage waste in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have rendered the river's water unfit for drinking. Chemical waste and filth have also impacted the river's biodiversity. This is not only harming the environment but also affecting the lives of millions who depend on the river." 

Factories and industries along the Yamuna are illegally dumping toxic waste into the river. Moreover, illegal mining has caused a decline in water levels and increased soil erosion in the coastal areas. Chaturbhuj Tiwari, associated with the River Connect Campaign, says, "If these issues are not addressed in time, the very existence of the Yamuna River could be at risk. Several steps need to be taken to resolve this problem."

River activists demand that strict laws be enacted first to prevent pollution in the river. Industries must ensure they do not dump contaminated water into the river. For this, the number of water treatment plants should be increased, and their maintenance should be carried out effectively. Regular cleaning drives should be conducted in the river's coastal areas to remove waste and revive its natural habitat. 

Strict laws should be enforced to prevent illegal mining, and water conservation programs should be promoted. Awareness campaigns should be run in urban areas to encourage people to dispose of household waste properly. 

Additionally, recycling should be emphasized to prevent waste from directly entering the river. The government should promote public participation to save the Yamuna River. 

Jyoti Khandelwal says that awareness programs should be organized in schools, colleges, and communities to encourage people to actively participate in the river's cleaning and conservation. Reviving the Yamuna River is not just the government's responsibility; it is a collective duty of all of us. This river is an integral part of our cultural heritage, and we must make collective efforts to save it. 

Social activist Padmini Ayyar says that if we do not pay attention to saving the Yamuna River today, future generations will not be able to experience its existence. The collective efforts of the government, administration, and citizens are needed to revive the Yamuna River. Only then can the river regain its former glory and remain safe for future generations.