Pollution in Holy Rivers of North India: A Current Review of the Ganga and Yamuna

Author Name : Manisha Kumari, Dr. Anamika Srivastava

ABSTRACT

This article examines the issue of water pollution in the holy rivers of north India, focusing on the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The sources of pollution, types of pollutants present, and their effects on the surrounding flora and fauna are discussed. The progress of initiatives such as the GAP, YAP, and Namami Gange mission for water pollution control is also reviewed. We collected secondary data on surface water quality parameters, including pH, DO, COD, BOD, TDS, EC, and TC, from various locations along both rivers. Our analysis revealed that the Yamuna River is more polluted than the Ganga, with domestic sewage and industrial effluents as the primary sources of pollutants. The study underscores the need for improved water resource management, including environmental education, awareness, and strict government policies, as well as participation from various stakeholders. These include residents, students, research institutions, the corporate sector, non-governmental organizations, and local people through water quality monitoring, pollution source identification, pollution control, abatement, and rehabilitation programs.

Keywords:  Heavy Metals, Holi Rivers, Industrial effluents, Pollutants, Sewage.