Yamuna River: A Journey from Sacred Lifeline to Polluted Drain
Analyzing Past, Present, and Future Potential
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of Master's in Journalism
By: [Your Name]
Delhi University
Chapter 1: Introduction
Rivers have always been more than just water bodies - they nurture civilizations, sustain
ecosystems, and hold deep cultural significance. The Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganga,
is no exception. It has supported agriculture, trade, religious practices, and urban settlements for
centuries.
Chapter 12: Bibliography
Agarwal, A. (2006). River Pollution in India: A Policy Perspective. New Delhi: Oxford University
Press.
Central Pollution Control Board (2024). Annual Report on Water Quality of Yamuna River.
Gupta, R., & Singh, V. (2023). 'The Yamuna's Water Crisis: An Analysis of Industrial Waste and
Policy Gaps.'
Patel, D. (2022). 'Sacred Rivers or Sacred Waste Dumps? Cultural Practices and Water Pollution in
India.'
The Hindu (2024). 'Delhi's Yamuna Stretch Now Earning Infamous Reputation for Toxic Foam.'
Chapter 12.2: Appendices
Appendix A: Interview Transcripts
- Full transcripts of interviews with environmentalists, activists, and local
residents.
Appendix B: Field Photographs and Maps
- Photos of key polluted zones: Okhla Barrage, Wazirabad, and Kalindi Kunj
stretches.
Appendix C: Government Documents and Data Tables
- NGT orders on Yamuna (2015-2024).
- Yamuna water quality report - CPCB data (2024).
12.3: Abstract
The Yamuna River, once revered as a sacred lifeline, now stands as a toxic
drain flowing through Delhi, choked by industrial waste, untreated sewage, and
urban encroachment. This dissertation investigates the river's decline,
examining historical significance, current pollution drivers, and governmental
and societal responses.
Using a blend of academic analysis and on-ground reporting, the study reveals
how ineffective policy implementation and unchecked industrial growth have
worsened the crisis. It also highlights grassroots movements and judicial
interventions, emerging as critical forces in holding authorities accountable.
The research goes beyond documenting decline - it explores untapped
economic and cultural potential, envisioning a rejuvenated Yamuna as a center
for eco-tourism, heritage restoration, and urban transformation. Drawing
parallels with successful global river revival models, the dissertation proposes
a comprehensive, community-driven, and policy-backed action plan to revive
the Yamuna.
