Home / Environment / Yamuna Pollution Worsens Despite Monsoon Rains
Yamuna Pollution Worsens Despite Monsoon Rains
13 Oct
Summary
- Yamuna's water quality worsened in September this year compared to last year.
- Biochemical oxygen demand at ISBT Bridge rose significantly, impacting river health.
- Fecal coliform levels saw a dramatic increase, far exceeding safe bathing limits.
The monsoon rains in Delhi this year have unfortunately failed to improve the water quality of the Yamuna River. Recent data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) indicates that pollution levels at several monitoring sites in September 2026 were higher than those recorded in September 2025.
At the ISBT Bridge, a sample taken on September 7, 2026, showed a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 30 mg/l, a stark increase from 8 mg/l on September 3, 2025. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) also rose from 44 mg/l to 92 mg/l. Fecal coliform counts experienced a significant jump, increasing 12.5 times from 2,800 to 35,000 MPN/100 ml.
Monitoring at ITO Bridge revealed similar trends, with BOD climbing from 4 mg/l to 18 mg/l and COD escalating from 20 mg/l to 60 mg/l. The fecal coliform level also rose from 1,800 to 17,000 MPN/100 ml over the same period.
While rainfall in September 2026 was less than in the previous year, and the net rainfall was above normal for both 2025 and 2026, these figures do not fully explain the river's deteriorated state. Factors such as the volume of flowing water, upstream releases, and the quantity of sewage entering the river also play crucial roles in determining pollution levels.
