Photo Stories

Yamuna - Delhi's Dying River

The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri glacier, cuts through the pristine valleys of Himalayas to enter into the lowlands of North India. The crystal-clear water turns pitch black after it enters Delhi. There are more than 18 drains that dump untreated sewage and industrial waste in the river; the toxicity levels have increased so much that marine life is practically non-existent. The communities whose livelihood is dependent on the river, suffer both physically and financially. The difficulties of low income are compounded by the diseases caused by constant exposure to toxic water. The Delhi Government has planned to expand its sewage treatment capacity to drastically reduce the pollutants that are directly dumped in the river.