A PROJECT REPORT ON

“WATER POLLUTION
[YAMUNA]”

SUBMITTED BY
Mr. Shinde Rohit Tukaram (72208090F)

Under the Guidance of

Prof. Swati Shinde

DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND

MACHINE LEARNING

ALARD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

MARUNJI, PUNE
THIRD YEAR ENGINEERING

(Academic Year: 2023-2024)

1
 Alard Charitable Trust’s

ALARD CHARITABLE TRUST’S

ALARD COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

MARUNJI, PUNE
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND
MACHINE LEARNING

CERTIFICATE

This is certified to that Mr. Shinde Rohit Tukaram , PRN (72208090F)

has completed the project work and prepared report on “Water Pollution
[YAMUNA]” In satisfactory manner as a partial fulfilment on
requirement of Third Year Engineering in AIML for academic year
2023-24.

Prof. Swati Shinde Prof. Disha Nagpure

(Guide) (H.O.D)
2
 ABSTRACT

Yamuna is in true sense mother to all of us. It is a river of essential importance

to us humans. It provides us with water for all our necessary activities such as
agriculture, drinking, household activities such as washing and bathing etc. But
after the river giving us all this all we have done in the past and continue to do
is simply pollute the river and exploit it even further by draining and dumping
the wastes of human activities into it. We have completely ruined a river of
extreme religious importance and one that is a large tributary to the Ganges so
much so that it is no longer considered alive and is barely able to support any
aquatic ecosystems. And the biggest contributor to the pollution is the region of
the national capital. And as we are citizens of this region and have seen this
river’s conditions in person it inspired us to prepare a report on this subject.

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Gratitude is the hardest emotion to express and often one doesn't find adequate
words to convey that entire one feels. It is my foremost duty to express my deep
sense of gratitude and respect to Prof. Swati Shinde for her uplifting tendency
and inspiring me for taking up this report on (Environmental studies) “Water
Pollution [YAMUNA]”. We are to our head of department Prof. Disha Nagpure
for this encouragement and support at every moment.

I am also grateful to the Librarian of Alard college of Engineering and

Management Pune for providing all necessary activates to carry out
(Environmental Studies) E-Waste Management. Last but not least, I am
thankful to my colleagues an those who have directly and indirectly throughout
this work of Environmental studies.

Name Roll No.

Mr. Shinde Rohit Tukaram 50

4
 INDEX

Sr no.
Title Page no.
1. Introduction 6-6

2. Methodology 7-10

3. Sources Of Pollution 11-14

4. Effects Of These Sources Of pollution 15-16

5. Solutions of the Problem 17-18

6. Case Studies 19-20

7. Conclusion 21-21

8. Reference 22-22

5
INTRODUCTION

Yamuna is the sub-basin of the Ganga river system. Out of the total catchments
area of 861404sq km of the Ganga basin the Yamuna river and its catchment
together contribute to a total of 345848sq km area which 40.14%. It is a large
basin covering seven Indian states. The origin of this great river is Yamunotri
glacier (6,387m above msl) at the Banderpoonch peak in the Uttarkashi district of
Uttaranchal. The Yamuna has 5 segments:

 The Himalayan segment (from origin to Tajewala barrage -172km ).

 Upper segment (Tajewala barrage to Wazirabad -2224km).
 Delhi segment (Wazirabad barrage to Okhla barrage – 22km )
 Eutriphicated segment (Okhla barrage to Chambal confluence – 490km )
 Diluted segment ( Chabal confluence to Ganga confluence – 468km )

We all know that river, lakes ,stream ,ocean ,seas are abiotic components of our
ecosystem and not only provide us with the drinking water but are used for various
other purposes like irrigation, domestic uses and industrial uses etc. But in India
Rivers are not only considered as mere water bodies but are also treated as God
and Goddess and are worshiped. Despite of such scared believes river like
Yamuna are being subject to over exploitation leading to degradation of its quality
and quantity. According to recent reports of CPCB it has been stated that Yamuna
is most polluted in the 22km stretch of its Delhi segment stretch.

10
METHODOLOGY

Sites for the socio-economic study were identifi ed based on the availability of
regular data collection via the ongoing W2C project, as well as the availability of
potential respondents engaged in riverine activities and occupations.
2.1. The Span of Study
To examine the impact of river water quality on health and livelihood of the
riverine community, the research team conducted a study for a period of three
months (Feb-April 2019).For this study, water experiment data from April 2018 to
October 2019 has been selected. The rationale behind selecting this period is the
availability of water experiment data for all the months.After selecting the sites for
socio-economic study, the last 10 years’ (2008-2019) data on the change in land
cover and land use was collected for the said sites.
2.2. Water Quality Measurements
For this study, we have used data collected with sensor technology on real-time
basis, what we call the Water-to-Cloud approach, along with the conventional
method of lab-based water quality measurements.
2.2.1. Water-to-Cloud Methodology
The Water-to-Cloud approach involves collecting water quality data at high
geospatial resolution using automated, real-time, non-stationary, state of-the-art
cyber physical sensor networks. These sensors can collect GPS-tagged and time/
date stamped data every few seconds on various water quality parameters. These
sensors are deployed on a boat which navigates a pre-defined route in the water
body and collect hundreds of data points over space and time. This high-resolution
data is superimposed on geospatial maps using a color-coded scale to form
visualizations which are easy to interpret and assess various aspects of river water
health. In particular, they can be used to pinpoint pollution sources, analyze
temporal and spatial variations in contaminant levels and identify trends in water
10
 Figure 1.1: Illustration of Water-to-cloud methodology

2.2.2. Grab Sampling

Additionally, laboratory-based point sampling was also done in April 2018 and
October 2019, to measure parameters that cannot be measured using sensors such
as Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD),
Total Coliform (TC) and Faecal Coliform (FC). Trace element testing is also done
for certain trace elements.
2.2.3. Data Analysis
After retrieving data from both the sensors, a consolidated fi le of the same is
created. After correcting sensor errors, a combination of various software and
programming languages including Excel, R, Python and SPSS (Statistical Package
for Social Science) are used to implement various analysis techniques such as:
predictive modelling, colour-mapping, clustering, and descriptive statistical
summaries. Data collected through point sampling is also analysed using same
software and programming languages.

10
Figure 1.2: Picture of water quality data and sample collection in the River Yamuna

10
SOURCES OF POLLUTION

THE VARIOUS SOURCES OF POLLUTION THAT COULD BE IDENTIFIED

AND THEIR EFFECTS ARE AS FOLLOWS :
DOMESTIC SOURCES One of the largest source of pollution of the river is the
drainage of domestic wastes into the river water. According to a report submitted
by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) to the Yamuna Pollution Control Committee, at least 90% of domestic
wastewater in the city flows into the Yamuna

The wastewater mainly comes from household activities hence the presence of
high content of detergent, laundry chemicals, and phosphate compounds.

The picture depicts Najafgarh drain flowing into river water Samples collected
were found to have phosphate concentration of 0.51 mg/litre , which is higher
than the normal range of 0.005 to 0.05mg/litres.This abundance of phosphate
formed layers of toxic froth covering the rivers.

10
INDUSTRIAL HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION
A lot of the region of the river catchment area has been urbanized and has several
industrial drains running into the river. Industrial waste is especially rich in heavy
metals and is very harmful to the river composition
Among the heavy metals investigated in the River Yamuna water, Iron (Fe) was
found to be most abundant and even exceeding the limit. High amounts of heavy
metals in water can cause several health effects such as reduced growth and
development, cancer, organ damage, nervous system damage, etc.

10
• UNTREATED SEWAGE
More than 800 million litres of largely untreated sewage is pumped in the Yamuna
each day. Another 44 million litres of industrial effluents are also discharged daily
into the river. Only 35% of the sewage is treated and released into the river.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the water contains a
concentration of 1.1 billion fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters of water. The
standard for bathing is 500 coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters. Making the river
not suitable for bathing which is extremely dangerous considering that it is a river
of religious importance and bathing in it is a sacred ritual in Hindu religion.

Figure 1.2: A woman performing the Hindu religious rituals in the polluted river water

PLASTIC POLLUTION
The sight of heaps of plastic wastes in the river are very common sights for the
residents of the region and as the capital region produces 2,52,647 tonnes of
plastic wastes each year the number would only do up and sight would get worse
if not acted upon soon. The real tragedy lies in the fact that it is rather socially
accepted to throw off waste into the river especially plastic wastes such as single
use polythene and plastic bags. This severely effects the river ecosystem as
sunlight penetration falls and the drains are also choked up due to it.

10
Figure 1.2: The infamous sight of plastic wastes on the shore of the river
being collected by rag pickers

10
EFFECTS OF THESE SOURCES OF POLLUTION

 DISSOLVED OXYGEN
Dissolved oxygen refers to the level of free, non-compound oxygen present in
water or other liquids. This free oxygen is necessary for aquatic flora and fauna. It
is an important parameter for assessing water quality because it is essential for the
survival of aquatic organisms. Microorganisms use DO to decompose organic
matter and contribute to nutrient recycling. If there is an excess of decaying
organic matter in the system, oxygen demand will increase, creating anoxic
conditions in the water system.

BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD) & CHEMICAL OXYGEN

DEMAND (COD)

Requirement of oxygen for degradation of the organic matter by organisms is

measured as Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The amount of oxygen
required biologically to stabilise the organic waste aerobically at a stated
temperature and in a specified period is measured as BOD. Essentially, BOD is the
consumption of oxygen by organic matter.

10
The latest available data by Delhi govt as of 22/12/2021 is that except for the Palla
region all other regions have a BOD level far greater than the permissible 3mg/l
going as high as 77mg/l at Asgarpur. That is about 27 times the permissible
limit!!!
Similarly, oxygen required to break down inorganic waste at a particular
temperature, and during a given time period, is measured as Chemical Oxygen
Demand (COD). COD and chemical / inorganic pollution are positively correlated,
meaning higher levels of COD indicate the presence of higher amounts of
chemical or inorganic pollution. The data of 22/12/2021 shows that COD level
was above 200 mg/l in the regions of Shahdara drain. This shows a great presence
of chemical and inorganic pollution in the river water.

10
SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS

There have been many steps taken to control the pollution of the river Yamuna,
at different levels. Some of them are :
• YAMUNAACTION PLAN
It was a bilateral project between the government of India and Japan. It was
one of the biggest river restoration project of the nation. Its phase 1 began in
1993 and ended in 2003, wherein Japan provided India with ¥17.7 billion to
carry out the project. The project is divided into THREE PARTS:
Yamuna Action Plan I (YAP I) – 1993 – 2002, 2002 – 2003 (Extended
Phase)
The plans were carried out by the National River Conservation Directorate
(NRCD), Ministry of Environment in collaboration with various State Department.
The plan focused on two types of actions which are Sewerage and non-sewerage
facilities.
Sewerage: construction of 29 STPs 58 pumping stations and 179 km of sewers
was proposed.
Non-sewerage: 1282 public toilet complexes, 96 crematoria, Riverfront
development, plantation and public awareness and participation were proposed. A
study on river pollution to estimate future pollution loads of the river Yamuna
from different sources. The total sewage treatment capacity created under YAP I
was 750MLD
Yamuna Action Plan II (YAP II) – 2004 – 2011
YAP II was mostly to undertake non-sewerage part of the objectives. The total
STP capacity sanctioned under YAP II was 189 MLD. The total budget
sanctioned: INR. 6.24 billion. There was an emphasis on Public Participation &
Awareness, Public Relations and Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building
of MCD. A Master Plan and Feasibility Study was also carried out. Various Pilot
projects included Dairy Farm Waste Management, Dhobighat Sudhar Yojna,
20
Slaughterhouse Modernisation and Waste Management, Antim Niwas Sudhar
Yojna and Slum Rehabilitation Study.
Yamuna Action Plan Phase III – 2018 onwards
11 Projects under National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) have been planned
to conserve River Yamuna in Delhi including rehabilitation of sewers,
rehabilitation of Rising mains, Tertiary Treatment Plants and Sewerage projects in
four packages of Kondli (K1, K2, K3, K4), three packages of Rithala (R1, R2, R3)
and Okhla Zone (O).
• YAMUNA PURIFICATION DRIVE, 2018
Organised by the Public Health Department and covers 15 towns including
Gurgaon, Faridabad, Yamuna Nagar, Karnal, Panipat, and Sonepat. Its objectives
are to control the discharge of raw sewage into the river. Initiative that has been
done are: • • • Eleven treatment plants are being installed along the 83-km-long
sewer line. A treatment plant that can treat 30 million litres a day has been
installed in Gurgaon which will help reduce the level of pollution from 200 mg\l to
30 mg/l, before it enters the Yamuna. A 5.8-km-long sewer line has been laid in
the city to collect the polluted water at the treatment plant.
• SEVERAL NGOs TRYING TO AWARENESS
Many big NGOs like ROW Foundation and earth5r have done a lot to spread
awareness about the issue and have even helped in cleaning the river several times.
Their efforts have been recognised by the NGT and as a result the NGT has also
announced a fine on disposal of any garbage into the river

20
CASE STUDIES

The study of the Yamuna river region of NCT had been carried out by the
University of Chicago wherein various sections of the river were examined.

20
FINDINGS

In 10 years (2008 -2018) the number of drains in the study area has increased and
Land Use and Land Cover pattern has changed.
The river’s water body (coverage area in terms of width) has shrunk by 24.4 per
cent. The built- up area has expanded by 6.62 percent. In the last 10 years the
green area around the riverbed has decreased by 54.27 per cent whereas the bare-
land has increased by 50.4 per cent.
This could be associated with the decrease in forest area and agricultural activities
along this stretch of the river.The pressure of urbanisation on the Yamuna can be
seen in terms of increased urban built-up area. This has resulted in the greater
number of wastewater drains discharging into the Yamuna.

20
Conclusion

the issue of Yamuna River water pollution is a pressing and multifaceted problem
that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. The
river, once revered as a symbol of purity and life, has been severely contaminated
by industrial effluents, sewage, and other pollutants, leading to dire consequences
for the environment, public health, and local communities
To address this crisis effectively, it is imperative that government authorities,
industries, and the public work collaboratively to implement stringent pollution
control measures, improve sewage treatment infrastructure, and raise awareness
about the importance of responsible waste disposal. Furthermore, investing in
sustainable practices, such as afforestation and wetland restoration, can help in
rejuvenating the river's ecosystem and mitigating pollution.
The restoration of the Yamuna River is not only essential for the well-being of the
millions of people who depend on it but also for the preservation of India's cultural
and environmental heritage. By taking immediate and comprehensive action to
combat pollution, we can hope to see a cleaner, healthier Yamuna River for future
generations to enjoy. It is our collective responsibility to protect and restore this
vital resource, and through determined efforts, we can pave the way for a brighter
and more sustainable future

20
REFERENCES

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN CREATED BY USING THE FOLLOWING

INTERNET SOURCED RESOURCES :

 https://earth5r.org/yamuna-river-pollution-sustainable-solutions-future/
 https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/81149/1/MPRA_paper_81149.pdf
 http://toxicslink.org/docs/Yamuna-Report-Toxics-Link_12-12-2014.pdf
 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-020-1166-7
 https://tcd.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Yamunareport_TCD-at-
UChicago.pdf
 http://www.sulabhenvis.nic.in/Database/WaterQualityStatus_6984.aspx
 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1776180

20