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Yamuna Reduced to a Brown Trickle: Crossing River on Foot
27 May
Summary
- Yamuna has narrowed to a brownish stream, allowing easy foot crossing.
- Water levels are critically low due to reduced releases and evaporation.
- Pollution levels remain dangerously high, with zero dissolved oxygen in many parts.
As of May 27, 2026, the Yamuna River in Delhi has transformed into a shallow, brownish stream, particularly where it enters the city from Haryana. Exposed sandbanks and dry riverbeds now facilitate easy pedestrian crossing between villages in Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This severe reduction in water flow is a recurring issue during the dry season, with limited releases from Haryana contributing to the problem.
Experts and activists highlight that the current water release of 9.9 cumecs from Haryana's Hathnikund Barrage is insufficient for the river's ecological needs. A 2019 study recommended a lean-season flow of 23 cumecs. Compounding the low water volume, increased evaporation due to the ongoing heatwave has worsened the situation compared to previous years.
Pollution remains a critical concern, with the river's water quality severely degraded. Dissolved oxygen levels, crucial for aquatic life, were found to be nil at most monitoring sites, meeting standards only at Palla. Fecal coliform counts far exceeded safe limits, indicating significant sewage contamination. This pollution renders the water unfit for drinking or bathing, a stark contrast to memories of cleaner river conditions decades ago.
