Yamuna holds a significant place in the hearts of Brajvasis (residents of Braj), who regard the river as a mother. In Braj, Yamuna is revered as the queen and is intrinsically linked to Lord Krishna. Consequently, the current state of Yamuna has deeply distressed the residents of Braj.
2023.05.21 (Vrindavan Today News): Despite a staggering expenditure of 1697 crores in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, the problem of pollution in the Yamuna river remains unresolved. The issue has sparked concern among environmental activists and devotees alike, prompting a young advocate named Devanshu Khandelwal to take legal action.
Devanshu Khandelwal, a passionate advocate, expressed his disappointment with the lack of visible progress on the ground despite the allocation of more than 1600 crores over a span of nine years. In his pursuit of justice, Khandelwal has decided to file a case in the Mathura court, demanding the purification of the Yamuna river.
Seeking information through the Right to Information Act, Khandelwal contacted the Ministry of Jal Shakti to inquire about the efforts and expenses dedicated to the purification of the Yamuna river. However, the ministry redirected him to the Rashtriya Swacch Ganga Mission (National Clean Ganga Mission), stating that the information he sought fell under their jurisdiction. In response, the Rashtriya Swacch Ganga Mission revealed that a total of 1697 crores has been spent in the four states to combat Yamuna pollution from 2014-15 until March 31, 2023.
The deteriorating condition of the Yamuna river is a matter of great concern. Pollution levels have reached hazardous levels, dissuading devotees from bathing or even walking along its banks. This detrimental situation has had a negative impact on the tourism industry in Mathura, which now lags behind other pilgrimage sites in terms of development and popularity.
Yamuna holds a significant place in the hearts of Brajvasis (residents of Braj), who regard the river as a mother. In Braj, Yamuna is revered as the queen and is intrinsically linked to Lord Krishna. Consequently, the current state of Yamuna has deeply distressed the residents of Braj.
The transformation of Yamuna from its origin in Yamunotri, Uttarakhand to the plains passing through Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh has been marred by pollution. The river becomes contaminated with the waste and toxins discharged by numerous cities and factories along its course. This continuous pollution severely affects the water quality of Yamuna.
Moved by the plight of the sacred river, Devanshu Khandelwal, a devoted advocate and Yamuna enthusiast, has resolved to initiate a legal battle to address the issue of Yamuna purification. Inspired by his devotion and determination, Khandelwal hopes to make a significant impact through his legal pursuits.
According to the information received by Advocate Devanshu Khandelwal, the National Clean Ganga Mission has allocated 3.75 crores to the Irrigation Department of Himachal Pradesh, 89.61 crores to the Public Health and Engineering Department of Haryana, 1329.29 crores to the Jal Board of Delhi, and a sum of 225.32 crore was utilized for the Hybrid Annuity Mod Project in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the Industrial Area and Pollution Prevention of Mathura has spent 9.52 crores on the cause.
As the fight for Yamuna’s purification gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether the legal action initiated by Devanshu Khandelwal will lead to substantial improvements and ensure the preservation of the sacred river for future generations.
