Yamuna River Cleanup: Imported Dredger Worth ₹8 Crore Begins Operations
An imported ₹8 crore dredger starts cleaning the Yamuna River to remove pollutants.
Photo by Aniket Mandish
Key Facts
₹8 crore: Cost of imported dredger
Yamuna River: Targeted for cleanup
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper III (Environment): Pollution and its management
GS Paper I (Geography): River systems and their importance
Government policies and interventions for environmental protection
Visual Insights
Yamuna River Basin
Map showing the Yamuna River basin and its major tributaries. Highlights the area affected by pollution and the location of the cleanup efforts.
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More Information
Background
The Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganges, holds immense historical and religious significance in India. Its pollution is a long-standing issue, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff, especially in the Delhi stretch. Efforts to clean the Yamuna date back several decades, with various action plans and projects initiated by both central and state governments.
The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), launched in 1993, was one of the earliest comprehensive attempts to address the river's pollution. Subsequent phases of YAP and other initiatives have focused on sewage treatment, industrial effluent management, and riverfront development. Despite these efforts, the Yamuna continues to face severe pollution challenges, highlighting the complexity and scale of the problem.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased focus on utilizing advanced technologies for river cleanup, including the use of specialized dredgers and bioremediation techniques. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has been actively involved in funding and overseeing various projects aimed at rejuvenating the Yamuna. The Delhi Jal Board has also undertaken initiatives to upgrade sewage treatment plants and improve the efficiency of wastewater management.
Furthermore, there is growing emphasis on community participation and awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste disposal practices and reduce pollution at the source. Future efforts are expected to focus on integrated river basin management, addressing both point and non-point sources of pollution, and ensuring sustainable water resource management.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP): 1. YAP was launched in 1993 with the primary objective of reducing pollution levels in the Yamuna River. 2. The plan focuses solely on sewage treatment and does not address industrial effluent management. 3. The YAP is funded and implemented exclusively by the central government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as YAP was indeed launched in 1993 to reduce pollution. Statement 2 is incorrect as YAP addresses both sewage and industrial effluents. Statement 3 is incorrect as YAP involves both central and state governments.
2. In the context of river pollution management, what is 'dredging' primarily used for? A) To increase the flow of the river by widening its channel. B) To remove accumulated sediments, pollutants, and debris from the riverbed. C) To introduce oxygen into the water to improve aquatic life. D) To divert water for irrigation purposes.
- A.To increase the flow of the river by widening its channel.
- B.To remove accumulated sediments, pollutants, and debris from the riverbed.
- C.To introduce oxygen into the water to improve aquatic life.
- D.To divert water for irrigation purposes.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Dredging is the process of removing sediments and debris from the bottom of bodies of water. This helps to remove pollutants that have settled and improve water quality.
3. Which of the following Acts empowers the government to take measures to control water pollution? A) The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 B) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 C) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 D) The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
- A.The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- B.The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- C.The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- D.The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is the primary legislation in India that empowers the government to take measures to control water pollution.
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