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‘Hamari Yamuna Walkathon’ Organized to Safeguard the Existence of Yamuna
1st October, New Delhi: Originating from Yamunotri and merging into the Ganges at Prayagraj, the Yamuna river spans a length of 1376 kilometres. Out of this, Yamuna flows only for 22 kilometres within Delhi (from Wazirabad Barrage to Okhla Barrage), which is less than two percent of its total length. Yet, ironically, Delhi contributes 98 percent of the pollution in Yamuna, despite the river covering less than two percent of its journey in the city. The present state of Yamuna is such that, what was once a life-giver, is now struggling to breathe. Once hailed as the lifeline of the capital city of India, this river is now gasping for its own survival due to neglect and pollution in Delhi. However, hope is not lost, as the citizens of Delhi are stepping forward.
More than 500 NCC cadets, NCC officers, and citizens participated in the walkathon to raise awareness and inspire action towards the revival of Yamuna. With the slogan ‘Bring Alive Yamuna’, this initiative is a compelling statement of collective responsibility and hope, shedding light on the urgent need to restore the river’s health.
The walkathon was flagged off from IGNCA by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, and culminated at Charkha Museum Park, Connaught Place, where all participants took a pledge to save the Yamuna. During the walkathon, NCC cadets and students of Delhi University performed street plays (Nukkad Natak), highlighting the plight of Yamuna and the importance of long-term efforts for its rejuvenation. Pamphlets were also distributed, urging people to become part of the solution, whether by curbing pollution or promoting eco-friendly practices. The aim of the walkathon was to convey that if we take the first step, the river can once again flow clean and strong.
