Jiye Jamuna..... - PEACE Institute Charitable Trust

Jiye Jamuna.....
- a ‘yatra’ for a deeper understanding
1

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Content
3

Profound Learning
From A Child
A fellow yatri recounted at one of our daily briefing sessions
during the recent Yamuna Yatra:
“Beta nadi kya karti hei, (son, what does a river do?) we had
asked of a group of giggling yet curious children, at one of
our road side gatherings. One of them after some amount
of persuasion had quipped much to our wonder, nadi behti
hei……. (river flows)”
YES. Nadi behti hei…. Could there be a better understanding
of a river?
It is only a still ‘unpolluted’ discerning mind of a child that
would retain this unique feature of a river. And yet herein lie
the deepest TRUTH of a river!
If there is one single attribute that distinguishes a river from
any other natural system on earth then it is its ability to
flow from origin till confluence. No other ecological system
does this in the said manner. It is this unique attribute of the
river which results in a sphere of influence called the riparian
zone extending on either bank and carrying distinctive soil
conditions and the resulting unique flora and fauna there in.
Again perhaps it is this single attribute of a river which
would have attracted pre historic humans to it leading to the
flourishing of all the ‘great’ river valley human civilizations of
the past as it was the river which was the ready source of
ever renewing fresh water to them, meeting their drinking,
bathing, cleaning, fishing, and transportation needs. No
wonder the rivers came to occupy a role akin to a mother
(maiyya) to them.
In other words if a river is inhibited from its free flow then
it would be like a forceful change in its nature and in turn its
demise as a natural system. Dams, barrages, embankments,
pseudo bridges etc. on rivers with admittedly their own
purpose to serve for the mankind who created them, are
artificial structures that inhibit the free flow of a river. Let us
take the example of Delhi.
Delhi owes its existence to river Yamuna. It had only one
rail cum road bridge over the river till about 1958. The
river water till then was abundant, crystal clear and a joy
to behold and consume. Delhites were then one with their
life-line river.
A serious jaundice outbreak (claiming around 300 lives) in
the city led to the formation of the Wazirabad Barrage over
the river with the objective to separate the city’s drinking
water supplies met from the river away from the polluted/
infected waters of the Najafgarh drain which had presumably
infected the river and caused the jaundice outbreak. It would
soon prove to be a misplaced solution much worse than
the disease, since the wrong ‘culprit’ had been caught and
harnessed. In all fairness it should have been the Najafgarh
drain which should have been taken care of in the best
possible manner so that it did not infect the river waters
again, rather than barraging the river and obstructing its
natural flow.
Soon enough the river downstream of the Wazirabad
Barrage started to lose all its glory so much so that by the
late seventies it had turned into no more than sewage drain
for almost nine months of the year.
The city being the capital of the country attracted people
from far and wide and soon turned itself into a megapolis.
But the river lost not only its pride of place in the city’s
life but faded away even from the public memory. Newer
bridges (pseudo ones) and more barrages (to meet industrial
and irrigation needs) came to be built at two more sites
(ITO and Okhla) on the river. More and more drains started
to bring sewage and muck of the city into the river and its
banks. The river had for all practical purposes ceased to
remain one. All this happened as if the river was meant just
to meet Delhi’s domestic and industrial water needs and to
take away its refuse as its underbelly.
No wonder we heard repeatedly from the local people
during the Yatra that it is YOU, people of Delhi, who are to
blame for all the ills that the river is facing today.
4

But what could have been otherwise and is that possible even
now?
Delhi would need to ensure that it remedies the situation
and let the river be. To do so both the Wazirabad barrage
and the Okhla barrage would need to be decommissioned
as a barrage. And the river allowed a free flow within the
NCTD.
Fortunately we still have the above option available to us.
Create an interceptor drain under / alongside the outer ring
road or the Mathura Road from Wazirabad till where it meets
the Agra canal and allow the sewage of Delhi which is today
entering the river, via at least twenty drains starting with
the Najafgarh drain, to get directly through the interceptor
drain into the Agra Canal and away from the river proper.
This would substitute for the role today being played by
the Okhla barrage. Now decommission the Okhla barrage
as being unnecessary. Expensive STPs in the city would
then not even be needed since raw sewage (after filtering
for solid wastes like plastic and ensuring that no untreated
industrial waste has contaminated it) would be fine to meet
the irrigation requirements of downstream Haryana and UP,
the purpose for which the Okhla barrage was created.
Now once the Najafgarh drain (including its tributaries) and
all the other polluting drains falling into the river from the
west of the river have been taken care of then the Wazirabad
barrage can safely be decommissioned with only the bridge
over it staying.
Let the Wazirabad water treatment plant (WTP) then
continue to access secure (without any infection threat) free
flowing river water for meeting the water needs of the city
as it used to do before the Wazirabad barrage was unwisely
created.
In this manner Delhi can show the way forward (in form of
interceptor mechanisms that prevent the city’s sewage to
fall into the river) for the revival of their rivers to the rest of
the country and to the other riparian states of river Yamuna.
But for the scenario as visualized above to become a reality
the river would still require uninterrupted flow of water
downstream of the Hathnikund barrage, 250 km upstream
of Delhi, where the river currently loses major portion of its
non monsoonal water flow to the Western and the Eastern
Yamuna canals. But that’s another, although perfectly doable
story.
Let Delhi, as the nation’s capital city-state lead the way
first.
Manoj Misra
Convenor, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan
5

Acknowledgement
The nine day Yamuna Satyagrah Yatra – Jiye Jamuna, Jiye Jana,
Jana, from 5 – 13 June 2008 over some 300 km from Delhi
to Agra and back along the river would not have happened but
for the following agencies and individuals, whose facilitation and
assistance is gratefully acknowledged:
Agencies
1. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH),
Delhi
2. WWF India, Delhi
3. Centre For Media Studies (CMS), Delhi
4. Environics Trust, Delhi
5. Winrock International-India, Gurgaon
6. Tarun Bharat Sangh / Jal Biradari, Jaipur
7. Youth For Justice, Delhi
Individuals
1. All the participating Yatris
2. Sri S. K. Misra
3. Sri Samar Singh
4. Sri Ravi Singh
5. Dr N. Bhaskar Rao
6. Dr R. Sreedhar
7. Sri Rajendra Singh
8. Sri Sanjay Parikh
9. Dr Parikshit Gautam
10. Ms Alka Tomar
11. Sri Abhinandan Sekhri
12. Sri B. M. S. Rathore
13. Captain Alok Bahuguna
14. Mrs Shashi Bahuguna
15. Dr Shanti Prasad Pokhriyal
16. Sri Kishan Chaturvedi
17. Sri Gopeshwar Nath Chaturvedi
18. Sri Srivats Goswami
19. Sri Raman ji
20. Sri Ashwani Kumar Mishra
21. Sri Ravi ji
Last but not the least we have no words to thank all our gracious
hosts at various places where we halted for the night and the
countless number of villagers who shared with us their wisdom,
understanding and enthusiasm for the cause of the revival of the
river.
Caveat
The water quality report and information is based on one time
testing only. Therefore these figures may not be quoted or assumed
as definitive. These are meant only to highlight and appreciate a
change in water quality as we progressed along the Yatra.
6

Background
Qutub se Taj, Ek hi Awaj – Jiye Jamuna, Jiye Jana, Jana
The Yamuna
Arising from the Yamunotri, river Yamuna flows through a
series of valleys for about 200 Kms, in lower Himalayas and
emerges into Indo-Gangetic plains. Flowing through Poanta
Sahib it reaches Hathnikund/Tajewala in Yamuna Nagar
district of Haryana state, where the river water is diverted
into Western Yamuna canal and Eastern Yamuna canal for
irrigation. During dry season, no water is allowed to flow
in the river downstream to Tajewala barrage and the river
remains dry in some stretches between Tajewala and Delhi.
The river regains water because of ground water accrual and
contributions of feeding canal through Som nadi (seasonal
stream) upstream of Kalanaur. It enters Delhi near Palla
village after traversing a meandering path of about 396 km.
The river is again tapped at Wazirabad through a barrage
for drinking water supply to Delhi. Generally, water flow is
negligible downstream of Wazirabad barrage in dry season.
Water flow in the downstream of Wazirabad barrage is
the untreated or partially treated domestic and industrial
wastewater contributed through several drains along with
water transported by Haryana Irrigation Department from
Western Yamuna Canal (WYC) via Nazafgarh Drain. After
22 Km downstream of Wazirabad barrage, is the Okhla
barrage through which Yamuna water is diverted into Agra
Canal for irrigation. No water flows through the barrage
during dry season. Whatever water flows in the river
beyond Okhla barrage is contributed through domestic and
industrial wastewater generated from East Delhi, Noida
and Sahibabad and joins the river through Shahdara drain.
The Yamuna after receiving water through other important
tributaries joins River Ganga and the mythical / underground
Saraswati at Prayag (Allahabad) after traversing about 1370
Km. Thus, Yamuna river cannot be designated as continuous
river particularly in dry season (almost 9 months).
The catchment of Yamuna river system covers parts of Uttar
Pradesh, Uttranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh & Delhi states.
Name of
State
The catchment of River Yamuna
Total Catchment
Area in Yamuna
(in Sq. Km.)
%age
contribution
Uttar Pradesh 74208 21.5
(including Uttranchal)
Himachal Pradesh 5799 1.6
Haryana 21265 6.5
Rajasthan 102883 29.8
Madhya Pradesh 14028 40.6
Delhi 1485 0.4
Distinct Segments of River Yamuna
Himalayan Segment From origin to Tajewala Barrage (172 kms)
Upper Segment Tajewala Barrage to Wazirabad Barrage (224 kms)
Delhi Segment Wazirabad Barrage to Okhla Barrage (22 kms)
Eutriphicated Segment Okhla Barrage to Chambal Confluence (490 kms)
Diluted Segment Chambal Confluence to Ganga Confluence (468 kms)
7

Background to the Yatra
It is known that the state of the river Yamuna is at its most
stressed and threatened in its Delhi to Agra stretch of
around 250 km. It is also the stretch where the river is at its
holiest due to its association with the leelas of Lord Krishna
in a region now popularly called the Braj Bhoomi.
So, if one were to understand the river and its people to
seek solutions if any for the long term revival of the river
then a closer look at the river in this stretch would be an
obvious starting point.
Accordingly, the ongoing Yamuna Satyagrah at Delhi
decided to embark upon the river Yamuna discovery yatra
on mobikes along side the river over a period which may
be neither too hurried nor too leisurely with the following
broad objectives:
a) Avalokan (Close view of the river)
b) Sampark (Interaction with local people and
organisations)
c) Samajh (Understanding and documentation of the river
based on ‘a’ and ‘b’ above)
Yatra Program
a) The Yatra was held from 5 June 2008 (World
Environment Day) till 13 June 2008.
b) The period of the Yatra was on purpose chosen to be
early June as the river would then be in its most stressed
state and hence provide a good baseline.
c) The key purpose of the Yatra was to travel as close
to the river as possible to seek, learn and establish
a baseline on the river Yamuna in terms of its water
quality, flood plain status, people’s relations with the
river, groups already working for the river Yamuna,
etc.
d) There were 20 full time Volunteers (on bikes) and two
support vehicles
e) Each participant was voluntarily made part of a sub
group tasked with a specific assignment in tune with the
Yatra’s purpose
f) A recce visit along the route made in advance by youth
for Justice, on two different days identified the following
as the places of visit / halt during the Yatra:
Date of Halt
Place
5.6.08 Tigaon
6.6.08 Bodoli
7.6.08 Kosi
8.6.08 Vrindavan
9.6.08 Farah
10.6.08 Agra
11.6.08 Agra
12.6.08 Farah
13.6.08 Mathura – Raya – Mant – Surir –
Naujhil – Chata - Delhi
A two member team from the Environics Trust joined the
yatra, carrying an in house developed field kit ‘DOST’ and
took 46 samples of river water, drinking water in the flood
plains, waste water from industries and domestic areas and
canal water at different points along the yatra route.
8

The Yatra Route
9

10
Day 1 (5 June 2008)

DELHI
(Satyagrah Sthal)
A briefing and formal registration (sample enclosed)
of 23 volunteers (which included local farmers, youth,
environmentalists and water activists, members of the
ongoing Yamuna Satyagrah, active journalists, photographers,
scientists and individual enthusiasts) was held since early
morning at the Yamuna Satyagrah Sthal, alongside the NH
24, behind the Akshardham.
Okhla Barrage (Delhi)
Halting first on the Delhi side of the Okhla Barrage for
testing (by the expert team) of the water flowing in the
Agra Canal (originating from the river Yamuna at the
Okhla Barrage) and to await the arrival of Ravleen, whose
bike had already suffered the second puncture of the day
the Yatra progressed along the river on the right marginal
embankment (RME) that led us to the village Jaitpur (the last
village of Delhi on the river bank).
Subsequently the Yamuna Satyagrah Yatra - 2008 started
with singing of bhajans, ragani (folk song) and the Yamuna
aarti led by the indefatigable Kishori Bhai (a local farmer who
has turned poet, composer and singer during the Yamuna
Satyagrah). In all 28 excited (young and not so young)
persons in 10 two wheelers and 2 support four wheel
vehicles embarked on the Yatra.
Water quality testing of Agra Canal (as it leaves the Okhla
Barrage) in progress under the expert guidance of Dr Shanti
Prasad Pokhriyal (Environics Trust).
Findings on some key parameters
Location
Temperature
Agra Canal (Okhla Barrage) Delhi
29 deg C
pH 8.2
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul
Absent
23 mg/lt
892 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
11

The river as it leaves the Okhla Barrage
Jaitpur Village (Delhi)
On the other side of the river (the UP side) construction of
several high rises in the river bed presented a sore sight.
The slow but steady encroachment into the river bed
(beyond the RME) in the name of Jaitpur Ext. could be easily
observed.
12

Lunch in Jaitpur at the Gurmit Punjabi Dhaba was a rather
hurried cum harried affair and provided an indication of the
rough and tough conditions that lay ahead in store for the
Yatris.
Further we crossed the Ali nalla running towards the river
along side the Jaitpur village.
An irrigation channel as it leaves the Agra Canal
Location
Temperature
Irrigation Canal emerging out of Agra
Canal post Jaitpur village
27 deg C
pH 8.5
As we reached the Agra Canal once again with the backdrop
of Badarpur Power Plant, the despoliation of water by such
‘developmental activity’ was more than evident.
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul
0.242 mg / lt
33 mg/lt
235 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Badshahpur
13

A visit to a 20 mld STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) raised
under YAP (Yamuna Action Plan) phase I in the village
Badshahpur to cater to the sewage load of Faridabad town
was a revelation of sorts. Firstly it was found shut. Reasons
being its upgradation that was underway for capacity
enhancement. An insider story revealed that even when
operational it hardly meets the requirement as industrial
waste is often surreptitiously mixed into the sewage lines
and then the role of the STP is left only to sieve the sewage
of the solid particles like the polythene. The fact that there
is hardly any treatment that takes place in the STP was also
realised since it is more sieving and sedimentation that is
actually taking place in an STP than any treatment of sewage
water per se.
Attractive traditional art work on dung cake (upale) heaps could be seen along side the roads.
14

Dadasiya Village
Interaction and ragani session at the Rajpurkala village
Location
Temperature
Handpump water at Rajpur Kalan
25 deg C
pH 7.6
River at Dadasiya village – almost a trickle
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
Transparent
Agreeable
Absent (NA)
NA
Location
Temperature
River water at Dadasiya
28 deg C
pH 7.9
Color
Dark
TDS
25 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
It was dark by the time we reached the Shiv Mandir at Tigaon,
where we were scheduled to halt for the night.
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Foul
0.862 mg / lt
53 mg/lt
144 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Rajpur Kalan
From Dadasia we raced to Rajpurkalan village where the
villagers had been awaiting our arrival. A round of ragani
followed by hearty refreshment by our hosts (relatives of
Masterji) rounded the day for us.
15

16
Day 2 (6.6.2008)

TIGAON
The day began early for the Yatris as no one could sleep
overnight. A heavy downpour followed by power breakdown
had ensured that the mosquitoes had a field day (night) and
the Yatris an unsleepable night. But no one was complaining,
yet.
Location
Temperature
Hand pump Shiv Temple, Tigaon
25 deg C
pH 7.6
Color
Transparent
Odour
Agreeable
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Absent (NA)
28 mg/lt
124 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
MAJHAWALI
The sad state of local water bodies (Johads) as villages ‘develop’
into towns.
Signs of ‘development’ along side the river at the Majhawali
village.
Location
Temperature
Temperature
Johar (water body) at Tigaon
28 deg C
31 deg C
pH 7.2
Color
Odour
DO
Dark
Foul
1.250 mg / lt
Nitrogen -
TDS
1164 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
The river has augmented water supplies courtesy the Budhiya
nala that meets the river upstream of Majhawali village.
17

Location
Temperature
Majhawali village hand pump
26 deg C
pH 7.5
Color
Odour
DO
Transparent
Agreeable
Absent (NA)
Nitrogen -
TDS
12.8 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Water is sweet and potable.
Budhiya Nala a tributary of river Yamuna under developmental
pressure of private interests (SRS is building a road cum bridge
over it to reach to its planned golf course coming up across the
Nala) in village Amirpur, Greater NOIDA high rises (on UP side)
can be seen in the background.
The sinister footprints of industrialisation were narrated to
us by the village folks of Majhawali whence the effluents from
a textile establishment in the area had so polluted the lands
that their wheat crops had wilted and it was only a massive
demonstration by the affected farmers that somewhat
remedied the situation.
CHAENSA VILLAGE
Yatris conversing with Sri Ram Chandra, father of the lady
Sarpanch of village Majhawali.
Our first halt for the day was Majhawali village, where the
village elderman Sri Ram Chandra, the father of the lady
Sarpanch, warmly welcomed the spirit and the message of
the Yatra. We were informed that the village area had been
declared an institutional area by the government and hence a
number of technical institutions had either already come up
or were currently in the process. Soon the rural skyline was
destined to a changeover into an urban / semi urban one.
We were also witness to the manner in which the Bhudiya
nala (feeding the river) was being embanked by a private
company (SRS Constructions) to build a road that would
open an island surrounded by the river and the nala into a
real estate haven. Emerging Greater NOIDA skyline (on UP
side of the river) was easily seen on the other side of the
river from here.
River Yamuna at Chhaensa (River Hindon has augmented water
supply to it after confluence)
18

A refreshing round of bhajans and ragani led by in imitable Kishori
Bhai at the Chaensa village
VILLAGE CHANT
Location
Temperature
River Yamuna, Chaensa
29 deg C
Ph 7.8
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Partially agreeable
6.5 mg / lt
48 mg/lt
446 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
19

After a rather intense interaction at the Village Assembly in
village Chant where a local teacher chided the villagers on
“how could they talk of cleaning the river when they keep their
village in such an unhygienic condition”, a round of raganis
exchanged between Kishori, Mahaveer and Diwan Bhai on
one side and a master ragani singer (seen in the picture)
from the village livened the rather tense atmosphere
Location
Temperature
pH 7.5
Color
Odour
DO
Panchayat Ghar water, Chant
28 deg C
Transparent
Agreeable
Absent (NA)
BADOLI
Location
Hand pump, Badoli
Temperature 31 deg C
pH 7.2
Color
Transparent
Odour
Agreeable
DO
0.32 mg / lt
Nitrogen -
TDS
102 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Nitrogen -
TDS
78 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
It was again late night when we reached Badoli our halting
place for the day and were hosted warmly by the village head
in his own residence.
20

Day 3 (7.6.2008)
21

BADOLI
Modernity might be slowly encroaching into traditional life
style but the sense of traditional hospitability was more than
evident when our host (the local Sarpanch) did not sleep
through the night worried about our welfare in the light of
possible rain during the night.
Yet another sudden downpour during the night had rushed
us all indoors. And the day opened up with overcast skies
which soon turned into a downpour. Following a hearty
breakfast, a grateful thanks and a round of raganis (Yamuna
songs) in which a local ragani singer also joined in, we started
onwards in stinging rain.
Location
Temperature
Bore well, School, Badoli
28 deg C
pH 8.2
Color
Transparent
Odour
Agreeable
DO
0.54 mg / lt
Nitrogen -
TDS
34 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
On way to Kusak village
22

KUSAK
Ravleen is all attention to Sri Sukhbir Mistry of village Kusak. The
villagers lamented the fact that while in olden days a 3 day fair
used to be held with great pomp and show along side the river
in their village, now they have lost all that along with the glory of
the river.
HASANPUR
A relict view of what the Yamuna khadar once used to be! at
village Kusak. Beduki nala joining the river Khadar.
Location
Beduki nala meeting the river khadar
near Siddh Baba temple, Kusak
Temperature 27.5 deg C
pH 7.9
Color
Dark
Odour
Foul
We met and interacted with the local money bags and
the politically influential at the local Market Committee at
Hasanpur. All help was promised for any initiative for the
revival of the river. But how about some one from amongst
them taking a lead?
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
4.3 mg / lt
18 mg / lt
264 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Lunch break at Hasanpur
23

We encounter Agra Canal yet again on way to Kosi via
Shahpur.
Villagers all attention at Shahpur village. (A rumour in the village
that a film shooting was on, on the banks of the river had brought
a large number of villagers to the Yamuna ghat to find us asking
them about their river)
KOSI
The Yatra halted for the night in the office of the Sharma
Diesels filling station on the Kosi by-pass road arranged
through the kind courtesy of the Sharma family.
Location
Temperature
Hand pump, Kosi kalan, GT Road
27 deg C
pH 8.5
River Yamuna at Shahpur ghat
Color
Odour
DO
Rusty
Foul
Absent
Location
River water at Yamuna Ghat, Shahpur
Nitrogen -
Temperature
26.5 deg C
TDS
54 mg / lt
pH 8.2
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul
2.6 mg / lt
36.5 mg / lt
152 mg / lt
Water is non potable.
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
24

Day 4 (8.6.2008)
25

KOSI
After a solemn farewell to the Bahuguna couple (Alok and
Shashi) - who had graciously joined the Yatra along with
their Tata Safari - as well as to Bhai Diwan Singh and Ch.
Mahaveer Singh the Yatra proceeded onwards towards
Shergarh, passing through Chhata.
Location
Temperature
Agra (Kosi) Canal, Kosi
29 deg C
pH 8.8
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul (High)
Absent
29.8 mg / lt
669 mg / lt
Location
Temperature
House hold water supply in Kosi
29 deg C
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
CHATA
pH 8.4
Color
Odour
DO
Rusty
Agreeable
Absent
Nitrogen -
TDS
89 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Just as we left Kosi, we came across the Kosi nala (an offshoot
of the Agra Canal) which as the events folded later was to
play a major role in the health of the river and providing us
with a key learning from the Yatra.
Kosi Nala at Chhata
26

Location
Temperature
Kosi Nala, Chata
29 deg C
pH 7.6
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul
Absent
18.2 mg / lt
238 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
SHERGARH
Residents of Shergarh kasba are all attention to an impromptu
outreach by the Yatris in form of songs / ragani.
OVAH VILLAGE
River Yamuna at Shergarh (the water is by now worthy at least
for the mules).
It was at Shergarh, that we first entered the revered Braj
Bhoomi, the land of the leelas of Lord Krishna. The river had
pleasantly started to show gradual signs of recovery. Even
the local agri-ecology was showing signs of vibrancy with
indicator birds like Saras Crane, Ibis and Peafowl putting up
frequent appearances in the agricultural fields along side the
roads.
Roadside meet at village Ovah (Village of Dauji).
Village Ovah in Mathura district is an interesting place.
Reputedly the village of Dauji (Balaram, the elder brother
of Lord Krishna and a farmer to the core), a temple stands
in his memory on the banks of the river in the village. It is
believed that it was Dau ji who forcibly brought the river
away from Barsana (village of Radha ji) to the village and
hence the reason why the river takes almost a U turn (and
briefly flows northwards) near the village.
27

Testing of drinking water (Hand pump) underway at village
Ovah
Location
Temperature
Hand pump, Ovah
27.5 deg C
pH 7.8
Color
Odour
DO
Transparent
Agreeable
.12 mg / lt
Nitrogen -
TDS
19.5 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
The water is potable. Ammonia was found absent.
River takes a U turn at Ovah village
28

CHIRHARAN GHAT
(CHIRGHAT VILLAGE)
Prasad at the ’Bihari Van’ Gaushala (Ovah)
Temple at the Chir Haran ghat at Chirghat Village.
The Kadamb tree which reputedly was witness to the Leelas of
Lord Krishna on the banks of river Yamuna.
Swami Shyam Sundar Das ji (High Priest) at the Bihari Van
Gaushala.
29

Almost a ‘blue river’ at Chirghat.
Location
River water, Chirghat
Temperature 25.6 deg C
pH 8.1
Color
Dark
Odour
Agreeable
DO
8.5 mg / lt
It is surmised that since the Kosi nala (an offshoot of the Agra
Canal) acted (unwittingly we presume) as an interceptor nala
for all other smaller drains taking waste water away from the
river and there is no major town spewing sewage and other
wastes into the river or a barrage obstructing the natural
flow of water in the river over its stretch from Ballabhgarh
till Vrindavan (almost 100 km) the river has received enough
respite to flow freely and thereby self rejuvenate, which was
more than evident as we encountered the river upstream of
the Chirghat village.
Nitrogen
TDS
20.1 mg / lt
198.2 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
For the first time the river shows good improvement in DO!
(Sign of life in the river).
30

Day 5 (9.6.2008)
31

VRINDAVAN
Jaisingh Akhara (originally the palace of Maharaja Jai Singh, the
founder of Jaipur city) at Vrindavan at Chir ghat in Vrindavan city,
where the Yatris halted for the night and were hosted graciously
by Sri Srivats Goswami ji, the head of the Akhara.
An interaction session following a power point presentation (on
their activities and on a bicycle Yatra carried out way back in
1999 by a group from Yamunotri till Vrindavan) by Robyn and
Sri Jagannath Poddar, the Director of the ‘Friends of Vrindavan’
society.
32

A farmer upstream of Vrindavan, tilling a field in Yamuna Khadar,
fully aware that the khadar (flood plain) belongs primarily to the
river and no construction should be permitted in it. He and many
others also clearly recall the flood water limits on the ground in
the khadar, uptill where the waters had spread during the highest
floods in 1978.
NAGLA SURIR
VILLAGE
A ‘rural developmental’ project details painted on the walls
of a house in village Nagla Surir. It is notable that other than
a reference to the repair of a well and installation of hand
pumps, ‘water’ as an integral health issue or an essential
survival issue in a rural setting specially in view both of
falling ground water table and its increasing pollution does
not appear to be a priority issue, yet in rural developmental
planning?
Location
Temperature
Hand pump water, Nagla Surir
28 deg C
pH 7.6
Color
Odour
DO
Rusty
Agreeable
Absent
Nitrogen -
TDS
33 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Kosi Nala at the Nagla Surir village upstream of Vrindavan.
33

A typical real estate development eating into fertile agricultural
lands on the out skirts of Vrindavan town.
Madhsudan in action - Drain from the city meeting the Kosi Nala
in Vrindavan.
A fresh construction (in the name of religion and by the keepers of
the religion) underway in the river bed in Vrindavan town
Kosi Nala winding its way towards the river Yamuna in Vrindavan city
34

Location
Temperature
River water in Vrindavan before the
Kosi nala meets it
29 deg C
pH 7.5
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Agreeable
4.2 mg / lt
22.6 mg / lt
145 mg / lt
Such evidence of the presence of Yamuna Action Plan (YAP)
were seen at various places in Vrindavan, Mathura and Agra
cities
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
A typical drain emerging from the city (Vrindavan) into the
river
Kosi Nala meeting the river short of the ghats at Vrindavan
Location
Temperature
River water in Vrindavan after
the Kosi nala meets it
28 deg C
pH 8.0
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul
Absent
38 mg / lt
956 mg / lt
The ghats in Vrindavan
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
35

36
No comments !

Day 6 (10.6.2008)
37

FARAH
Bliss FULL ashram of Baba Man Singh ji at Farah.
Baba Mansingh ji, our gracious host has his idyllic Ashram
surrounded by agricultural fields about 100 m off the National
Highway next to a medium sized town called Farah.
It is reputed that the Baba had observed maun vrat and
practiced Sadhana for 11 long years before attaining the bliss
full state of ‘enlightenment’. The Yatris felt greatly refreshed
and rejuvenated after spending the night at the Ashram.
Location
Temperature
Hand pump water, Farah Ashram
25 deg C
Baba Man Singh ji
pH 7.8
Color
Odour
DO
Transparent
Agreeable
Absent
Nitrogen -
TDS
67.5 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Break fast at the road side dhaba.
Gas being flared at the Mathura Refinery
38

Location Effluent from Mathura refinery, Gate no.9
Temperature 29 deg C
pH 7.6
Color Transparent
A river which had almost become ‘blue’ at the Chir Ghat
village and remained so until the Kosi Nala met it in
Vrindavan, was back to its original polluted - self courtesy
the drains (nalas) outpouring all the city’s filth in it both in
Vrindavan and in Mathura.
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Foul
Absent
45.2 mg / lt
56.4 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
MATHURA
‘Devotion’ knows no ‘pollution’?
A devotee from Saurastra (Gujarat) collecting the ‘holy’ Yamuna
water to be carried home notwithstanding the quality of the water
in the river.
Location
River water at Vishram Ghat, Mathura
An active civil society organisation led by Sri Gopeshwar Chaturvedi
ji working for keeping the ghats neat and clean in Mathura.
Temperature
29 deg C
pH 8.3
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
Dark
Foul
1.3 mg / lt
16.5 mg / lt
TDS
183 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Clearly this ‘lip service’ by the state agencies to the holy river
although welcome is neither enough nor effective !
39

RUNKUTA (AGRA)
Yatris as they enter the Agra City thereby fulfilling the Qutub se
Taj Yatra stretch.
The Yatris being formally received at Runkuta by a group of
Yamuna campaigners of Agra led by Sri Raman ji and Sri Ashwini
Kumar Mishra.
A section of the Yatris in front of Guru Ka Taal Gurudwara (in
Agra), where they had been felicitated by the high priest of the
Gurudwara.
Yatris and the hosts from Agra join in singing a bhajan in praise
of the river Yamuna.
40

Day 7 (11.6.2008)
41

AGRA
An internationally known ‘celebrity’ (in the back drop) and a
national ‘shame’ (in the fore front)!
The day in Agra began very early with an interaction session with
the local Yoga abhyasis at the Paliwal Park.
Location
Temperature
River water at Hathi Ghat, Agra
24 deg C
pH 8.9
Color
Odour
DO
Dark
Foul
0.3 mg / lt
Nitrogen -
TDS
15.6 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Polluted river and religious ‘left overs’ at the Hathi ghat in Agra.
Proposed Yamuna Satyagrah sthal at Agra!
42

Mantola nala (Drain) (bifurcating the Taj Mahal and the Red
Fort) spewing poison and waste into the river.
43

Location
Temperature
Mantola Nala water, Agra
27.5 deg C
pH 8.8
Color
Odour
DO
Nitrogen
TDS
Dark
Foul
Absent
96.25 mg / lt
455 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
A public meeting addressed by Sri Rajendra Singh and others at
Loha Mandi in Agra.
44

‘Tell tale signs’ (an eroded interior wall of a well) indicating where
the river level once used to be !
Sri Sanjay Parikh (eminent advocate at the Supreme Court), Sri
Rajendra Singh (Water Man) and Sri Raman ji inspecting the
Buri-ka-nagla STP in Agra.
45

46
Yamuna Aarti!

Day 8 (12.6.2008)
47

Location
Temperature
River water (Brahmand Ghat)
29 deg C
pH 7.4
Color
Odour
DO
Dark
Foul
1.48 mg / lt
Nitrogen -
TDS
44 mg / lt
Brahmand Ghat at Gokul (on the left bank of the river).
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
Gokul Barrage over the river downstream of Mathura city.
Location
Temperature
River water upstream of Barrage
29.5 deg C
pH 7.9
Color
Odour
DO
Dark
Foul
1.2 mg / lt
River at Brahmand ghat. Heavy monsoon showers and release of
additional waters from Ganga Canal into the river (in the light of
forthcoming Ganga Dussehra festival) had improved the condition
of the river.
Nitrogen
23 mg / lt
TDS
29.5 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
48

VILLAGE BALLE RAI
Water being released from the Gokul Barrage. (Gokul city is in
the back ground).
Effluent from the Mathura refinery falling into the river.
The utility of Gokul Barrage is disputed by many people!
49

50
Day 9 (13.6.2008)

MATHURA
Muck in one of the pumping stations on the banks of the river.
Masani Nala (Drain) bringing sewage and waste to the river at
Mathura.
Location
Temperature
Masani nala 500 m short of
meeting the river, Mathura
29.1 deg C
pH 8.1
Color
Odour
Transparent
Foul
DO -
Nitrogen
TDS
19 mg / lt
264 mg / lt
Source: Environics Trust, New Delhi
51

No comments!
The river at Mathura.
Pilgrims on the Ganga Dussehra Day crossing the Masani nala (as
it meets the river) to go over to the river for a holy bath!
A ‘minor’ accident which could have been major! As we were
finishing the Yatra the early outbreak of monsoon caught up with
us.
Dr. S P Pokhriyal busy analysing the water quality on the banks of
the river at Mathura.
Ganga waters enriching the river Yamuna via the distributory of
Upper Ganga Canal between Mant and Surir villages. Heavy rains
upstream have muddied the river water and changed its basic
characteristics.
52

Qutub Se Taj Tak,
Ek Hi Awaaj –
Jiye Jamuna Jiye Jan Jan
(5 – 13 June 2008)
53

Appendix - I
Yamuna Water Quality
Environics Trust, Delhi
The Yamuna Satyagrah organised a Satyagrah Yatra from
New Delhi to Agra and back from 5th June 2008 to 13th
June 2008 . The objective of the Yatra was to understand the
attachment, dependency, faith and the culture of the Yamuna
flood plains (people and the river). During initial discussions
water quality was considered as a primary component
for understanding anthropogenic pollution. Hence, in the
process Environics Trust joined the Yatra as a technical team
having responsibility to assess following things:
• State of water of the river (water quality and quantity)
• State of flood plains
• Drains if any that pollutes the river
• Quality of drinking water
• Any other notable feature
A two member team joined the yatra, carrying an in house
developed field kit ‘DOST’ and took 46 samples of river
water, drinking water in the flood plains, waste water from
industries and domestic areas with canal water at different
points along the yatra route of approximately 280 kms.
Sampling Methodology
The team has collected 46 samples in all. In which 26 samples
are for river Yamuna, 10 for drinking water and other 10
for industrial drains and sewage. Some of the parameters
perform at the spot for different sites are as follows;
River water
Drinking water
Sewage and
industrial effluent
Temperature, pH, Colour, Odour,
Alkalinity, DO, Ammonia, TDS
Temperature, pH, Taste, Alkalinity,
Chlorides, Residual chlorine,
Hardness, TDS and Ammonia
Temperature, pH, Colour,
Odour, Dissolved Oxygen (DO),
Ammonia, Nitrates, Alkalinity and
Total Dissolved Solid (TDS)
All the above-mentioned parameters have been analysed
on the spot by using colorimetric and physical methods. In
different critical points team also measured the discharge of
the drain to estimate water or sewage flow.
Standard
DO – is the amount of oxygen in mg / lit of river water
to sustain the aquatic life in water body. (Bathing quality
standard is 5 mg / lit)
Observations
• It is observed that the Yamuna River flowing downstream
of Okhla barrage is mainly polluted by domestic
wastewater discharged from Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad,
Vrindavan, Mathura and Agra. Effect of the discharges
from Masani Nala, Mathura Refinery, Koshi Nala. The
results of analysis of Yamuna River and outfalls’ samples,
in sequence of their relative position downstream Okhla
barrage.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO), which is essential for existence
of aquatic life in any water body, is found almost absent
in Yamuna River upto Hasanpur, Delhi and remains
negligible (near 1 mg/L) upto a further d/s distance of
54 km because of heavy organic pollution. It is only after
100 km downstream from Delhi that the DO starts to
show improvement but still remains unsatisfactory till
Vrindavan and it is also just because of the natural ability
of the rivers’ natural regeneration capacity.
• Total Nitrogen level in Yamuna even at d/s Okhla
barrage, the first point of study, was observed 36 mg/L,
which is very high. Total Nitrogen further increases to a
level of 53 mg/L after confluence of industrial drains, and
reduces rather rapidly to 33 mg/L, in spite of addition of
Greater Noida drain (at 20 km), a significant point load
in terms of Nitrogen.
• Investigation into above unexplained phenomenon is
attempted by studying different forms of Nitrogen and
their interrelationship in aquatic environment. Domestic
sewage is the most significant source of Nitrogen
54

pollution of rivers. Fresh sewage contains Nitrogen
in the form of pertinacious matter and urea, which is
readily decomposed by saprophytic bacteria (aerobic
and anaerobic) to ammonia.
• This becomes more complex by the fact that nitrogenfixing
bacteria and certain algae are capable of converting
even atmospheric nitrogen into proteins (Organic-N),
which can subsequently convert into Ammonia-N by
death and decomposition of bacteria and algae. It is
possible that certain amount of Ammonia-N might be
adding to river through ground water inflow from areas
of high nitrogenous fertilizer use near bank of the river
because farmers often apply nitrogenous fertilizers in
water flooded conditions leading to its seepage into
ground water before conversion into nitrates which
require aerobic conditions in fields. There is also a
possibility of Nitrate-N coming into aquatic system either
by ground water inflows or by fixation of atmospheric
nitrogen.
• Exceptionally high TDS and Chloride levels are observed
in Yamuna as compared to other snow-fed rivers. TDS
and Chloride level are 448 mg/L and 91 mg/L, respectively,
at d/s Okhla barrage (0 km). TDS and Chloride increase
to 822 mg/L and 246 mg/L, respectively, after confluence
of Badarpur power plant drain and further increases to
1164 mg/L and 259 mg/L, respectively, at confluence of
Kosi drain. Gradual decrease in TDS and Chlorides is
observed upto Agra where TDS and Chlorides remain
at 730 mg/L and 216 mg/L, respectively.
River / Water Quality
• River meanders frequently
• Large number of drains carrying sewage and industrial
wastes drain into the river all along
• Water quality is dangerous till Faridabad district,
improves till Vrindavan and then deteriorates once again
till Agra
• Drinking water from hand pumps is not suitable at most
places
• Water augmentation into the river in the stretch is from
river Hindon (polluted form) and a distributory of the
Upper Ganga Canal (both draining from the east)
Water quality testing of Agra Canal (as it leaves the Okhla
Barrage) in progress under the expert guidance of Dr Shanti
Prasad Pokhriyal (Environics Trust).
55

FINDINGS
LEARNINGS
GENERAL IMPRESSIONS
• Encroachments into the flood plains abound either in
form of agricultural farms (villages) or constructions
(towns)
• Canals and drains stink and carry polluted water
• Kids swim and play in polluted waters
• Cities remain the major polluter and encroacher of the
river
• Villages are by and large without any concern for hygiene
or proper drainage or security of their johads (local water
bodies)
• STP’s appear of hardly any help to the river
• Religious heads and Panchayats are the most influential
local institutions
• Yamuna Action Plan activities are conspicuous although
do not appear to be much effective
• Residential, Institutional and industrial areas continue to
be developed by the state in or close to the river bed
• Every major human settlement (Delhi, Faridabad,
Vrindavan, Mathura and Agra) lies on the right bank
PEOPLE’S FRONT
• People whether in villages, towns or cities are fully aware
of the unfortunate state of river Yamuna and more than
keen to lend a helping hand, but are unable to put their
fingers on how of it …
• Religious sentiments associated with the river are pretty
strong in the Braj region, which encompasses more than
60% of the area in question
• People tend to blame Delhi for most of the ills facing the
river
• People have little faith in the ability or the intent of the
government to change the situation for the better
• Farmers knowingly feel trapped and compelled to
irrigate their lands with polluted / toxic water currently
flowing in canals / drains / river
• People are aware of the falling ground water levels as
well as the fact that it is only the deep bore which now
carries sweet potable water, but not for long
• People have a deep sense of failure and disappointment
with the actions taken till date for the river by the state
under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP)
• People have a distinct recall of the great deluge of 1978
which spread over vast areas on either bank of the
river
• People’s vision of a clean river is one in which a coin can
be easily seen and recovered from the bottom
• People have a clear idea of the extent of khadar (flood
plain) and bangar (beyond the flood plain) of the river,
but have either encroached upon or been allotted land
to farm with in the khadar by the state
• People have little idea of the quality of water that they
consume for domestic purposes
• Folk songs (ragini) for the river and otherwise remain a
popular medium of recreation in the villages
• People have little sense of connect between the health
of their johads (village ponds) and the river
• People are aware and quite unhappy with but feel
helpless about the state’s designs to convert their lands
into industrial or institutional uses
• People maintain a deep religious association with the
river
NGO’S FRONT
• There are notable NGOs present and active in Vrindavan,
Mathura and Agra
• Braj Foundation is active over the entire Braj area and
seems a natural ally
• Other NGOs include Friends of Vrindavan, Food for
Life (ISKON), Chaturvedi Samaj (Mathura)
• Large number of religious heads (Mahant, Mathadheesh,
Akhara dheesh (etc.), are present and could prove to be
a potent force for the revival of the river.
• Knowledgeable, influential and interested individuals like
Sri Raman ji (Agra), Ravi ji (Agra), Kishan Chaturvedi
(Mathura), Gopesh Chaturvedi (Mathura), Srivats
Goswami ji (Vrindavan), Mahant Ashwini Kumar ji
(Agra)
RIVER / WATER QUALITY
• River meanders frequently
• Large number of drains carrying sewage and industrial
wastes drain into the river all along
56

• Water quality is dangerous till Faridabad district,
improves till Vrindavan and then deteriorates once again
till Agra
• Drinking water from handpumps is not suitable at most
places
• Water augmentation into the river in the stretch is from
river Hindon (polluted form) and a distributory of the
Upper Ganga Canal (both draining from the east)
LESSONS
• A river is much more than flowing water. It consists of
its channel, flood plain and the riparian zone.
• There is no other natural ecosystem on earth like a
river. For it alone ‘flows’ and in its wake creates suitable
conditions (niche) for various life forms (both flora and
fauna) to thrive. (There are examples galore of different
life forms that have originated in rivers and would not
thrive in enclosed water bodies like ponds, lakes and
reservoir.)
• Inhibiting a river from flowing is akin to killing it. (This is
what dams, embankments, barrages and pseudo bridges
do).
• If only the rivers were allowed to flow freely with their
full complement of water all its ills can be taken care of
naturally by its own rejuvenation powers. It has done so
over the millennia. We were witness to this wonderful
phenomenon at Chirghat where the river regained
bathing quality short of Vrindavan after the river had
flowed unmolested for almost 100 km.
• If only all sewage (and only sewage) from towns and
cities and even villages was trapped (sieved of plastic
and other solid waste) and then fed entirely into the
agricultural fields
• If only industrial effluents were recycled and not allowed
to fall into the river unless fully treated
• If only domestic needs of water were met from direct
lifting from the flowing and hence little polluted river
and the lakes, ponds and the ground water
• If only the religious heads could be persuaded to give
a clarion call to their followers for the river (the exact
nature and the wordings of the call would need careful
drafting)
• It doesn’t really involve much expense to organise such
a Yatra if one stays and eats with local people.
57

Appendix - II
YAMUNA SATYAGRAH
Qutub Se Taj Tak – Ek hi Awaaz – Jiye Jamuna Jiye Jana Jana
Motorcycle Yamuna Yatra from Delhi – Agra – Delhi
(5 – 13 June 2008)
Volunteers Registration Form
Name
Father’s Name
Residential Address (with Tel / Mobile No.)
Office Address (with Telephone No.)
Self Mobile No.
Licence
Vehicle Papers
Helmet
Blood Group
Motorcycle No. (If volunteering with Motorcycle)
Professional Background
Special Interest
Declaration
This is to certify that my participation is purely as a volunteer and I am fully responsible for my safety and conduct
during the Yamuna Yatra.
(Signature)
Place:
Date:
58

Appendix - III
List of Participants
S.No. Name Organisation Duration
1. Aditya Jal Biradari 5 June 2008
2. Alok Bahuguna Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan 5-7 June 2008
3. Aman K. Vasisht Individual 5-11 June 2008
4. Amarendra Kumar Pandey Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan 5-13 June 2008
5. Baljit Singh Chauhan (Masterji) Yamuna Satyagrah 5-11 June 2008
6. Bhoop Singh Yamuna Satyagrah 11 June 2008
7. Chaini Yamuna Satyagrah 5-12 June 2008
8. Devyani Tarun Bharat Sangh 5 June 2008
9. Diwan Singh Natural Heritage First 5-7 June 2008
10. Hemraj Singh Youth For Justice 7-8 June 2008
11. Jagwat Swarup Ji Yamuna Satyagrah 5-11 June 2008
12. Kapil Mishra Youth For Justice 5-11 June 2008
13. Kishori Lal Tomar Yamuna Satyagrah 5-12 June 2008
14. Kuldeep Gupta Yamuna Satyagrah 5 June 2008
15. Lalit Sharma Yamuna Satyagrah 5-11 June 2008
16. Madhusudan Kapparath Journalist (MINT) 5-12 June
17. Mahavir Choudhury Yamuna Satyagrah 5-7, 11 June 2008
18. Manoj Misra Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan 5-13 June 2008
19. Murali Murari Yamuna Satyagrah 5-11 June 2008
20. Pritam Singh Yamuna Satyagrah 11 June 2008
21. Puneet Bhatt Youth For Justice 5-11 June 2008
22. Rajendra Singh Tarun Bharat Sangh 11 June 2008
23. Ravleen Kaur Journalist (Down to Earth) 5-12 June 2008
24. Satyarup Chandan Yamuna Satyagrah 5-11 June 2008
25. Shanti Prasad Pokhriyal Environics Trust 5-13 June 2008
26. Shashi Bahuguna Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan 5-7 June 2008
27. Shraddha Bakshi Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan 11 June 2008
28. Srinivas Yadav Environics Trust 5-13 June 2008
29. Sudha Mohan Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan 5-13 June 2008
30. Vaibhav Raghunandan Photographer (Down to Earth) 5-12 June 2008
31. Vikram Sheel Youth For Justice 5-11 June 2008
59