The Yamuna River, one of the most sacred rivers in India, is the second-largest tributary of the Ganges by discharge and the longest tributary in the country. Originating in the Himalayas, it flows through several states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, before merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. The Yamuna is not only a vital water resource but also holds immense cultural and religious significance in Hinduism.
Introduction to the Yamuna River
The Yamuna River is a major river in northern India, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas at an elevation of about 4,500 meters (14,800 feet). It travels 1,376 kilometers (855 miles) before merging with the Ganges at Prayagraj. The Yamuna is revered as a goddess in Hinduism and is considered one of the seven sacred rivers in the religion. It supports millions of people along its course, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use.
Geographical Overview
Source and Course
- The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Bandarpunch peaks of the Lower Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
- It flows through the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
- The river merges with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, a site of great religious significance.
Tributaries
The Yamuna has several important tributaries, including:
- Left Bank: Hindon, Tons, Hanuman Ganga, and Sasur Khaderi.
- Right Bank: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken.
The Yamuna Basin
- The Yamuna Basin covers an area of 366,223 square kilometers (141,399 square miles), which is about 40.2% of the entire Ganges Basin.
- The basin is highly fertile and supports agriculture, particularly in the Ganges-Yamuna Doab region.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Yamuna in Hinduism
- The Yamuna is worshipped as the goddess Yamuna, the daughter of the sun god Surya and the sister of Yama, the god of death.
- Bathing in the Yamuna is believed to cleanse sins and grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- The river is closely associated with Lord Krishna, who spent his childhood in the Braj region along the Yamuna.
Festivals and Rituals
- Yamuna Chhath: A festival dedicated to the Yamuna, celebrated with rituals and offerings.
- Kumbh Mela: Held every 12 years at Triveni Sangam, where the Yamuna, Ganges, and Saraswati rivers meet.
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Economic Importance
Agriculture and Irrigation
- The Yamuna Basin is one of the most fertile regions in India, supporting crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
- Major irrigation projects, such as the Western Yamuna Canal and Eastern Yamuna Canal, divert water for agricultural use.
Water Supply
- The Yamuna provides water to over 57 million people, including the residents of Delhi, which relies on the river for 70% of its water supply.
Ecology and Wildlife
Flora and Fauna
- The Yamuna supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including fish, turtles, and birds.
- The river is home to species like the Indian carp, catfish, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.
Endangered Species
- The Gharial (a fish-eating crocodile) and the Ganges river dolphin are among the endangered species in the Yamuna.
Environmental Challenges
Pollution
- The Yamuna is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, particularly in the 22-kilometer stretch through Delhi, which accounts for 80% of the river’s pollution.
- Untreated sewage, industrial waste, and religious offerings are the primary sources of pollution.
Water Shortages
- Over-extraction of water for agriculture and industry has led to reduced flow in the Yamuna, especially during the dry season.
Conservation Efforts
Yamuna Action Plan
- Launched in 1993, the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) aims to reduce pollution and improve water quality through sewage treatment plants and public awareness campaigns.
Legal Status
- In 2017, the Uttarakhand High Court granted the Yamuna the status of a legal entity, giving it the same rights as a living person to protect it from pollution and degradation.
FAQs About the Yamuna River
Q1: Why is the Yamuna River considered sacred?
- The Yamuna is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to cleanse sins and grant liberation.
Q2: What are the major sources of pollution in the Yamuna?
- Untreated sewage, industrial waste, and religious offerings are the primary sources of pollution.
Q3: How does the Yamuna support agriculture?
- The river’s water is diverted through canals like the Western Yamuna Canal to irrigate crops in the fertile Ganges-Yamuna Doab region.
Q4: What wildlife is found in the Yamuna?
- The river is home to species like the Indian carp, catfish, and the endangered Ganges river dolphin.
Q5: What are the main challenges facing the Yamuna?
- Pollution and water shortages are the most pressing challenges.
Q6: What is being done to clean the Yamuna?
- Initiatives like the Yamuna Action Plan and legal protections aim to reduce pollution and restore the river’s health.
The Yamuna River is a vital lifeline for millions of people in northern India, supporting agriculture, providing water, and holding immense cultural and religious significance. However, the river faces severe environmental challenges, including pollution and water shortages. Through conservation efforts and public awareness, there is hope for the Yamuna’s revival, ensuring that it continues to sustain life and culture for generations to come.
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