Cleansing the Yamuna, the government needs to take a cue from Paris. Cleaning the Yamuna has become more of a political issue than an environmental one. It is truly shocking to learn that as many as 22 drains empty into the river, carrying toxic sewage and industrial effluents. Waste water and sewage discharged from unauthorised colonies along the banks of the Yamuna are an added menace.
The Delhi government can take a cue from Paris, which undertook an ambitious effort to clean the River Seine, once polluted with E. coli, enterococci bacteria, and other contaminants, along with industrial effluents. France spent around $1.5 billion to revive the almost dead river and make it fit for hosting swimming events during the 2024 Olympics. The effort took years, but the wait proved worthwhile as the River Seine was restored in time for a major international event.
With India hoping to host the 2036 Olympic Games, a sustained focus on cleansing the Yamuna would not only improve the city’s environment but also bring national prestige.
