Yamuna River System, Origin, Courses, Tributaries, States Covered

The Yamuna River System is one of the major river systems of northern India and holds immense significance in terms of ecology, culture, and economy. A major tributary of the Ganga River, the Yamuna flows through several densely populated states and supports agriculture, industry, and millions of lives. It is also considered sacred in Hinduism, symbolizing purity. The Yamuna River System today faces several ecological and human-induced challenges that threaten its sustainability.

Yamuna River System Origin

The Yamuna River System Origin from the Yamunotri Glacier in the lower Himalayas at an elevation of about 6,387 meters in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This glacier is nestled at the base of the Bandarpunch peaks, a part of the Garhwal Himalayas. The river begins its journey from Yamunotri, one of the locations from Char Dham pilgrimage sites. The source region is remote, surrounded by rugged terrain and scenic beauty. Yamuna is considered the daughter of the Sun God (Surya) and sister of Yama, the god of death, in Hindu mythology.

Yamuna River System Courses

From its source in the Himalayas, the Yamuna flows in a generally southerly direction covering a distance of around 1,376 km before merging with the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. Along its course, it passes through the foothills, plains, and urban centers like Dehradun, Saharanpur, Delhi, Mathura, Agra, and Etawah. In Delhi, the river flows through highly urbanized regions, making it one of the most polluted stretches. After flowing through the plains of western Uttar Pradesh, the Yamuna takes an eastward turn and finally joins the Ganga.

Yamuna River System Tributaries

The Yamuna River System has several significant right and left-bank tributaries, each contributing to its flow and basin area. These tributaries originate from both the Himalayas and the peninsular region.

Yamuna River System Covering States

The Yamuna River flows through five major Indian states: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Each of these states relies heavily on the river for water supply, agriculture, and industrial needs.

1. Uttarakhand – The river originates here and flows through remote hilly terrain.
2. Himachal Pradesh – Small stretches of tributaries like the Tons traverse the state.
3. Haryana – The Yamuna marks the eastern boundary of the state, aiding irrigation.
4. Delhi – It is a primary water source for the capital but also one of the most polluted stretches.
5. Uttar Pradesh – The longest stretch of the river flows through this state, nourishing its fertile plains.

Other Related Post: Narmada River System

Yamuna River System Challenges

The Yamuna River, despite its importance, faces severe environmental challenges that have impacted its health and utility.

• Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and solid waste disposal have turned parts of the river into a dead zone, particularly in Delhi.
• Excessive withdrawal for irrigation and drinking has drastically reduced the flow, especially in non-monsoon months.
• Urban expansion and illegal construction along the floodplains have disrupted natural drainage.
• High levels of nutrients from sewage promote excessive algal blooms, further reducing oxygen levels in the water.
• Immersion of idols and offerings, although culturally significant, contribute to water pollution.
• Reduced snowfall and glacial retreat in the Himalayas are affecting the river’s source flow.