Daily Current Affairs : 28-July-2023
The recent news of the Yamuna River’s water levels hitting a 60-year high, and the waters advancing towards the Taj Mahal for the first time in half a century, has brought attention to the critical issue of encroachments on the Yamuna River floodplain. The Yamuna River, the longest tributary in India and a lifeline to five states, plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and supporting human settlements. The floodplains of the river act as vital recharge points, mitigating floods, and contributing to groundwater replenishment. However, the unchecked growth of settlements and construction on the floodplains has had severe consequences on the river’s health and the well-being of communities.
Understanding the Floodplain:
A floodplain is a low-lying area next to a river that is subject to periodic flooding during heavy rainfall or snowmelt. It is a natural feature that helps in regulating the flow of water during floods, recharging groundwater, and storing excess water. The Yamuna floodplain is a crucial part of the river system, aiding in maintaining ecological balance and water availability.
Significance of the Yamuna River:
The Yamuna River holds immense importance in India’s geographical and cultural landscape. Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand, it eventually merges with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad. The river is the second-largest tributary of the Ganges and is closely linked to the Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu festival held every 12 years. The Yamuna serves as a lifeline to five states and its floodplains play a pivotal role in groundwater recharge and water storage.
Settlements on Floodplains:
Over the years, settlements have emerged on the Yamuna floodplains due to various factors, including population growth, urbanization, and migration. After Independence, refugees from Western Punjab sought shelter in Delhi, leading to the establishment of the first major non-agriculture settlements. The influx of migrant laborers during events like the 1982 Asian Games further contributed to population growth on the floodplains. However, the rapid expansion of settlements outpaced the development of proper sewage networks, leading to increased pollution in the Yamuna River.
Delhi’s Master Plan and Warnings Ignored:
The Delhi Masterplan of 1962 designated the Yamuna floodplain as a protected area, prohibiting construction activities. The Central Ground Water Authority also classified the floodplains as ‘protected’ for groundwater management. However, lax implementation and the failure to enforce these regulations resulted in extensive abuse of the floodplains. Numerous expert committees, including the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP), warned against any construction on the floodplains due to their crucial role in groundwater recharge and flood protection.
Impact of Encroachments:
The encroachments on the Yamuna floodplain have had far-reaching consequences on the river’s ecosystem and the people living nearby:
- Groundwater Recharge: Building activity on recharge areas hinders the replenishment of groundwater. The layers of sediments in the floodplains create aquifers that contribute to the river channel, ensuring a steady supply of groundwater. Encroachments disrupt this natural exchange and deplete the groundwater reserves.
- Reduced Flood Protection: Floodplains act as natural buffers during intense rainfall or floods by allowing water to spread out and store the surplus. However, encroachments restrict the river’s width, making it prone to devastating flash floods with a narrow channel unable to handle the increased water flow.
- Environmental Impact: Construction on the active floodplain disrupts the ecosystem, affecting biodiversity and increasing pollution levels. The proposed Yamuna Riverfront Development plan, despite warnings, encroached upon the floodplain and could further exacerbate the river’s health.
Important Points:
- The Yamuna River recently experienced a 60-year-high water level, leading to its waters advancing towards the Taj Mahal for the first time in 50 years.
- A floodplain is a low-lying area next to a river that helps regulate water flow during floods, recharge groundwater, and store excess water.
- The Yamuna River is India’s longest tributary, originating in the Yamunotri Glacier and merging with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad. It serves as a lifeline to five states and its floodplains are vital recharge points.
- Settlements on the Yamuna floodplain started with refugees from Western Punjab after Independence, followed by an influx of migrant laborers during events like the 1982 Asian Games.
- Delhi’s Masterplan of 1962 designated the Yamuna floodplain as a protected area, but lax implementation led to extensive abuse and encroachments.
- Expert committees, including the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP), warned against any construction on floodplains due to their significance in groundwater recharge and flood protection.
- Encroachments on the floodplain have severe consequences:
- Groundwater recharge is hindered, leading to depletion of groundwater reserves.
- Flood protection is reduced as encroachments restrict the river’s width, making it prone to devastating flash floods.
- Environmental impact includes disrupting the ecosystem, affecting biodiversity, and increasing pollution levels.
- Proper urban planning, strict enforcement of regulations, and awareness about floodplain preservation are essential to safeguard the Yamuna River and its communities.
- Halting encroachments is crucial to protect the river’s health and ensure a sustainable future for the region.
- Recognizing the importance of floodplains and their natural ecosystems is vital to cherish the invaluable resources they provide.
Why In News
The Yamuna River surged to its highest levels in 60 years, posing an unprecedented threat as the waters relentlessly approached the iconic Taj Mahal for the first time in over five decades. The authorities and locals were on high alert, working together to protect this cultural treasure from the potential impact of the historic flooding.
MCQs about The Impact of Encroachments on the Yamuna River Floodplain
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What is the primary role of floodplains in river ecosystems?
A. Providing scenic views for tourists
B. Regulating water flow during floods and storing excess water
C. Supporting agricultural activities
D. Facilitating industrial development
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Which river merges with the Ganges at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad, and serves as a lifeline to five states in India?
A. Ganges River
B. Yamuna River
C. Brahmaputra River
D. Indus River
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Why did settlements on the Yamuna floodplain increase after Independence?
A. To promote eco-tourism
B. To preserve the natural beauty of the river
C. Due to the influx of refugees from Western Punjab
D. To promote agricultural activities
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What are the consequences of encroachments on the Yamuna floodplain?
A. Increased groundwater recharge
B. Enhanced flood protection
C. Decreased pollution levels
D. Reduced groundwater recharge and flood protection, and increased pollution
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