India is a land of rivers, and one of the most prominent among them is the Yamuna river. It is the longest and the second-largest tributary river of the holy river Ganga, stretching for a length of 1376 km. The river is a lifeline for millions of people, and it holds significant cultural, religious, and historical importance.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
India is a land of rivers, and one of the most prominent among them is the Yamuna river. It is the longest and the second-largest tributary river of the holy river Ganga, stretching for a length of 1376 km. The river is a lifeline for millions of people, and it holds significant cultural, religious, and historical importance.
Geographical Location
The Yamuna river originates from the Yamunotri glacier in Uttarakhand and flows through the states of Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, before merging with the Ganga river in Allahabad. The river forms the boundary between the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for a distance of around 224 km.
Importance of Yamuna River
The Yamuna river holds immense cultural significance in Hinduism, and it is worshipped as a goddess. The river is also associated with Lord Krishna, who spent his childhood in Mathura, located on the banks of the river. The river also holds historical importance, as it was the site of the famous Battle of Panipat in 1526, which marked the beginning of the Mughal empire in India.
Environmental Concerns
Despite its cultural and historical importance, the Yamuna river is facing severe environmental degradation. The river is heavily polluted due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents and sewage. The pollution levels are so high that the river is considered biologically dead in some stretches. The pollution has also led to the depletion of aquatic life in the river, affecting the livelihood of millions of people.
Initiatives for River Conservation
Several initiatives have been taken by the government and non-governmental organizations for the conservation of the Yamuna river. The 'Namami Gange' project, launched by the government in 2014, aims to clean the Ganga and its tributaries, including the Yamuna river. The project involves the construction of sewage treatment plants in cities located along the river. Non-governmental organizations such as 'Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan' and 'Society for the Conservation of Nature' are also working towards the conservation of the river.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the length of the Yamuna river?
A: The Yamuna river stretches for a length of 1376 km.
Q: Which states does the Yamuna river flow through?
A: The Yamuna river flows through the states of Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
Q: What is the significance of the Yamuna river in Hinduism?
A: The Yamuna river is worshipped as a goddess in Hinduism.
Q: What is the 'Namami Gange' project?
A: The 'Namami Gange' project is a government initiative launched in 2014 for the cleaning of the Ganga and its tributaries, including the Yamuna river.
Conclusion
The Yamuna river is a significant river in India, and it holds immense cultural, religious, and historical importance. Despite the environmental challenges, initiatives are being taken towards the conservation of the river. It is the responsibility of every citizen to contribute towards the preservation of this lifeline of millions of people.
