THE BIG PICTURE

Restoring environmental flow in the Yamuna requires a comprehensive approach to watershed restoration, not just tackling the river's pollution

- RITU RAO

DURING THE 2025 Delhi state assembly elections, the pollution of the Yamuna emerged as a significant concern for voters. Most experts wrote articles that primarily focused on controlling pollution in the river, while other connected issues, such as the Yamuna’s flow and the need for a comprehensive Delhi water policy, found only brief mentions.

A river is a hydrological system that cannot be divided along admi-nistrative boundaries, whether longitudinally or laterally. Longitu-dinal connectivity emphasises the river’s connection with upstream and downstream points, while lateral connectivity focuses on its interaction with floodplains, tribu-taries and river ecosystems such as wetlands, all of which are essential for maintaining the health and function of the entire river eco-system. Additionally, there is the vertical aspect to consider—the fragile connection between surface water and groundwater, with grou-ndwater playing a key role in maintaining the river's base flow. This connection is particularly vital during dry periods to sustain river water levels and aquatic ecosystems.

Viewing a river in a fragmented manner, defined by administrative boundaries, and focusing only on issues like pollution or governance failures does a disservice to the river and leaves the broader prob-lem unresolved. Understanding the many facets of river management— specifically the environmental flow requirements, pollution control, water demand management and the impacts of climate change—can pave the way for long-term solutions.

RESTORING FLOW