DAYANANDA SAGAR ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY

& MANAGEMENT
Udayapura, Kanakapura Road, Bangalore-560082

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

BCS508

5th Semester EVS Course Assignment

Submitted by:

Sl. No USN Name Section

1 1DT22CS042 Deeba Mushtaq 5A
2 1DT22CS003 Aayushi Maheshwari 5A
3 1DT22CS011 Amruth M 5A

2024-2025
 Index

Assignment 1: Course Certification – 15 Marks

Sl. Activity USN USN USN USN USN
No
1 Introduction to AI CS042 CS003 CS007 CS013 CS0
2 Introduction to Deep Learning CS042 CS003 CS007 CS013 CS0
3 Introduction to Natural CS042 CS003 CS007 CS013 CS0
Language Processing
4 Artificial Intelligence CS042 CS003 CS007 CS013 CS0
Foundation Certification

Assignment 2: Case Study – 10 Marks

Sl. AI Application Area Product Chosen for Case Study Submitted
No
1 Technology & Functionality Amazon Alexa
Data and Knowledge Netflix
2
Representation
Methodology / Algorithm / Intercom
3
Flowchart
4 User Privacy & Data Security Google Lens
5 Ethical & Social Impact IBM Watson Studio
 CASE STUDY
Water Pollution in the Yamuna
River

Submitted by:
Deeba Mushtaq
Aayushi Maheshwari
Amruth M
18 November 2024

EVS CASE STUDY REPORT 1


 Water Pollution in the Yamuna River: A Critical
Analysis of Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation
Strategies

YAMUNA RIVER

1. Abstract

The Yamuna River, an essential water resource for millions in northern

India, is plagued by severe pollution that endangers ecosystems,
public health, and livelihoods. This study investigates the principal
causes of pollution, including untreated sewage, industrial discharges,
agricultural runo , and cultural practices. It also examines the
environmental, economic, and societal consequences while evaluating
the e ectiveness of ongoing government and community initiatives.
Through comprehensive analysis, the report proposes actionable
recommendations for sustainable management and rejuvenation of the
Yamuna River.

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 2. Introduction

Rivers have historically served as lifelines for civilizations, providing

water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, while also ful illing cultural
and spiritual roles. Among India’s rivers, the Yamuna holds immense
signi icance. Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand,
the river traverses several states, including Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar
Pradesh, before merging with the Ganga at Prayagraj. However, rapid
urbanization, industrialization, and neglect have transformed the
Yamuna into one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
This study explores the severity of water pollution in the Yamuna,
identi ies its root causes, and evaluates the socio-environmental
impacts. Furthermore, it assesses the e ectiveness of governmental
and community-driven initiatives to mitigate the crisis, o ering
evidence-based recommendations for sustainable solutions.

3. Literature Review

Extensive research underscores the critical state of the Yamuna River.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),
approximately 75% of the river’s pollution originates from untreated
sewage, particularly from the Delhi region. Industrial discharge
contributes signi icantly, releasing harmful substances such as heavy
metals, phenols, and other toxic chemicals.
A report by the Journal of Environmental Management (2020) highlights
the deteriorating water quality, citing Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
levels exceeding 50 mg/L in certain stretches, far beyond the
permissible limit of 3 mg/L for safe bathing water. The National Green
Tribunal (NGT) has frequently cited the lack of enforcement and
accountability as a major barrier to improving the river’s condition.
These indings form the basis for the in-depth analysis presented in this
case study.

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 4. Causes of Pollution in the Yamuna River

The Yamuna's pollution is attributed to a combination of anthropogenic

and natural factors. Among the most signi icant are:

4.1. Untreated Sewage

Delhi alone contributes over 60% of the untreated sewage that lows
into the Yamuna. The city's outdated and inadequate sewage treatment
infrastructure is unable to process the volume of wastewater generated
by its growing population.

4.2. Industrial Discharges

Factories located along the river’s banks discharge untreated e luents
containing hazardous chemicals. These pollutants not only degrade
water quality but also pose severe risks to aquatic ecosystems.

4.3. Agricultural Runo

The widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural
practices contributes to the river's nutrient load. This leads to
eutrophication, where excessive nutrients promote algal blooms that
deplete oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.

4.4. Religious and Cultural Practices

Traditional activities, including idol immersions and the disposal of
o erings, result in signi icant solid waste accumulation and chemical
pollution.

4.5. Encroachments and Urbanization

Illegal constructions along the riverbanks disrupt natural low patterns,

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 reducing the Yamuna’s self-cleaning capacity and exacerbating
pollution levels.

5. Impacts of Pollution

The consequences of Yamuna's pollution are far-reaching, a ecting not

only the river’s ecosystem but also the lives of millions who depend on
it.

5.1. Environmental Impacts

The river’s biodiversity has been severely a ected, with declining
populations of aquatic species. Reduced oxygen levels and the
presence of toxic substances have rendered stretches of the river
ecologically “dead."

5.2. Public Health Concerns

Communities relying on the Yamuna for drinking water face increased
risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis.
Prolonged exposure to contaminated water has also led to chronic
health issues in these areas.

5.3. Economic Implications

The polluted river has negatively impacted agricultural productivity, as
farmers use contaminated water for irrigation. Similarly, ishing
communities have su ered due to the decline in ish populations.

5.4. Cultural and Spiritual Degradation

The Yamuna’s sacred status in Indian culture has been diminished, with
devotees increasingly wary of performing rituals in its polluted waters.

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 6. Measures Taken to Address Pollution

6.1. Government Initiatives

The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP), launched in 1993 with international
support, aimed to build sewage treatment plants and reduce industrial
pollution. The Namami Gange Programme, which includes the
Yamuna as a tributary, focuses on cleaning and rejuvenating the river
through an integrated approach.

6.2. Judicial Interventions

The National Green Tribunal has issued multiple directives, including
penalties for polluters and orders to close industries violating
environmental norms.

6.3. Community Engagement

Organizations such as Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan have mobilized citizen
participation in cleaning e orts and awareness campaigns. However,
these e orts require greater scale and support.

7. Recommendations

To address the crisis e ectively, a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder

approach is essential. Key recommendations include:

7.1. Strengthening Infrastructure

The expansion and modernization of sewage treatment plants (STPs)
must be prioritized to handle the increasing volume of wastewater.

7.2. Enforcing Industrial Regulations

Strict penalties should be imposed on industries discharging untreated

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 e luents. Encouraging the adoption of cleaner production
technologies can further reduce industrial pollution.

7.3. Promoting Sustainable Practices

Farmers should be incentivized to adopt eco-friendly agricultural
methods to reduce the runo of fertilizers and pesticides.

7.4. Community Participation

Awareness campaigns highlighting the consequences of pollution and
promoting eco-friendly rituals can mobilize public support for river
conservation.

7.5. Restoring River Ecosystems

Floodplain restoration and a orestation along the riverbanks can
improve water retention and enhance the river’s self-puri ication
capabilities.

8. Conclusion

The Yamuna River symbolizes both the potential and the challenges of
sustainable water management in India. Its pollution highlights the
consequences of unchecked urbanization, inadequate infrastructure,
and environmental neglect. While various initiatives have been
launched, their limited success underscores the need for stronger
enforcement, innovative solutions, and collective action. Reviving the
Yamuna is not only an environmental imperative but also a moral and
cultural responsibility.

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 9. References
1. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Reports, 2021.
2. Journal of Environmental Management, 2020.
3. Ministry of Jal Shakti Reports, Government of India.
4. National Green Tribunal Judgments on Yamuna River Pollution.
5. Yamuna Action Plan Documentation.

EVS CASE STUDY REPORT 8