Delhi Government launched the "I Love Yamuna Campaign" today at Chhath Ghat, ITO in a bid to rejuvenate the life line of Delhi, Yamuna river. The program was inaugurated by Delhi's Environment and Forest Minister Gopal Rai. Nearly 1500 students and teachers from Eco Clubs of different schools in Delhi registered their participation for the "I Love Yamuna Campaign" initiative. The objective of this program was to educate children about the significance of the Yamuna River and the issue of pollution in Delhi. All the children present in the program actively participated in a slogan writing competition related to the cleanliness of the Yamuna River and also pledged to keep the river clean. Additionally, the department distributed medicinal plants to all attendees.
Gopal Rai visited the Yamuna Ghat and inspected the cleanliness campaign after planting saplings during the program. After that, while addressing the children and teachers present, he said, “Yamuna River is not just any river for Delhi, but it sustains a vast ecosystem within the city. The majority of Delhi's water requirements are met by the Yamuna River, making it a crucial resource for both economic and ecological purposes. However, the river's ecological balance has been disrupted over time due to the excessive discharge of chemicals, plastics, and other non-biodegradable pollutants. Nevertheless, our government is taking all necessary steps to preserve the sanctity of this sacred river. Under the Summer Action Plan launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, a public awareness campaign has been initiated as a significant component. As a result of this, the "I Love Yamuna Campaign" is being launched today, with the Environment and Forest Department jointly initiating this noble effort. The government intends to encourage Delhiites to participate actively in tree plantation drives and river cleaning activities through this initiative. Nearly 1,500 children and teachers from different eco-clubs of Delhi were present today as part of this virtuous initiative by the government. Our objective is to instil a sense of responsibility and ownership among people towards the preservation of the Yamuna River.”
He further informed, “The government comprehends that the task of purifying and reviving Yamuna cannot be accomplished through isolated endeavours. Hence, it is imperative that all stakeholders, local communities and educational institutions unite to collaborate with the government. The government has prepared a 7-point action plan in this year's budget for the rejuvenation of Yamuna River at its level. In this, under the rejuvenation of river Yamuna.
• Upgradation of 18 existing STPs, construction of 3 new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), rehabilitation of 3 existing STPs and construction of 40 new de-centralized STPs
• Stop 3 untapped major and 76 sub drains falling into Yamuna.
• Extension of sewerage network in 1799 unauthorized colonies and 639 JJ clusters.
• Treatment of all industrial CETPs,
• Septage management
• Management of Yamuna floodplain
• Complete reuse of treated waste water
Along with this, work will also be done to increase the green area on the banks of river Yamuna through a tree plantation campaign in the coming days.
Gopal Rai said, “Our government's efforts towards Yamuna River are not limited to short-term goals only, but it also includes continuous monitoring of water quality of Yamuna river, implementing innovative solutions and effectively addressing the upcoming challenges. It also includes promoting research and development work to address.”
Rai said, “Students from various eco clubs of Delhi participated in the slogan writing competition organised by the Forest Department. In which all the students were given the task of writing a slogan related to the cleanliness of Yamuna. On the forthcoming World Environment Day, which falls on the 5th of June, the student who formulates the most exceptional slogan shall be felicitated. Along with this, all the children present also took an important oath regarding the cleanliness of Yamuna River.”
He appealed to all the people present, “To enhance the ecological condition of Delhi, it is imperative for all individuals to make a commitment to refrain from contaminating the Yamuna river water or permitting others to do so. Because it is only through public participation that the environment can be made better and pollution free. The Delhi government will run this campaign as a public campaign in collaboration with the citizens of Delhi.”
