Flood takes stink off Yamuna, river turns ‘healthiest’

The water quality in the Yamuna has improved significantly due to rise in inflow of floodwaters, and the river is at its “healthiest” state this year yet, experts have said. The improvement is largely due to the increased oxygen content of the water which cleanses the river and helps keep pollutants in check.

One of the most important rivers in the country, the Yamuna passes through Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. It merges with the Ganga at Allahabad. The Yamuna has earned the unpleasant distinction of being one of the most polluted rivers in the country, but experts said the quality of water has improved in the last two days due to increased flow.

On Monday, the water level in the Yamuna surpassed the danger mark of 204.83 metres, forcing evacuation of around 10,000 people.