Marking World Water Day, a large-scale cleanliness and scientific monitoring drive was conducted at Sur Ghat along the Yamuna River in New Delhi. The initiative was led by the Regional Coordination Institute (RCI) of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in collaboration with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) unit of Hansraj College. The campaign aimed to tackle the rising pollution levels in the Yamuna, often described as Delhi’s lifeline. More than 100 student volunteers and local community members actively participated in the drive. Sur Ghat Identified as Pollution Hotspot Sur Ghat was strategically chosen for the campaign due to its status as a major pollution hotspot. The site faces dual environmental challenges—heavy discharge from nearby urban drains and accumulation of waste generated from religious activities. Upon arrival, volunteers encountered large piles of plastic bottles, polythene bags, discarded clothes, and temple waste such as flowers. Much of this waste was entangled in the river’s sediment, highlighting the severity of pollution. Focus on Sustainable and Scientific Solutions The drive was not limited to manual cleaning. It also incorporated real-time scientific monitoring of water quality. Teams collected water samples from different points and depths to analyze the river’s chemical and biological health. Dr. Vijay Kumar from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi led the initiative along with senior officials. He shared his vision of an “Atma-Nirbhar Yamuna,” emphasizing the need for long-term and sustainable solutions. “Cleanliness is not a one-day activity. It requires continuous scientific and social commitment. Our goal is to integrate low-cost filtration technologies with community-based monitoring systems,” he said while addressing volunteers. Active Participation from Students and Community The campaign was organized under the leadership of Prof. Monika Kaul, coordinator of UBA at Hansraj College. Student groups, including the environmental society ‘Haritima’ and NSS volunteers, played a key role in executing the drive. Strict safety protocols were followed during the clean-up. Volunteers were provided with gloves and masks to ensure safe handling of waste. In total, around 50 large bags of non-biodegradable waste were collected and removed from the site, marking a significant step toward restoring the river’s health. Community Awareness and Engagement In line with the objectives of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, the campaign also focused on community awareness. Volunteers interacted with local residents and highlighted the harmful impact of plastic waste on groundwater and river ecosystems. The awareness drive encouraged residents to adopt sustainable waste disposal practices and contribute to keeping the Yamuna clean. Cultural and Environmental Commitment The event concluded with a traditional Yamuna Aarti, followed by a collective pledge to protect the river from further pollution. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable living. Prof. Monika Kaul emphasized that collaborations between premier institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and colleges under University of Delhi are crucial. Such partnerships help bridge the gap between academic research and grassroots environmental action. Data-Driven Future Solutions The data collected during the real-time monitoring will be analyzed by researchers from IIT Delhi and Hansraj College. The findings are expected to support the development of long-term, decentralized waste management strategies for areas along the Yamuna. Experts believe that combining scientific research with community participation is essential to address the complex issue of river pollution in urban India. Pls Read : Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Site Targeted Amid US-Israel Tensions; Russia Calls It Post navigation National Seminar on ‘Daughters of Indian Constitution’ Concludes at Delhi University Motilal Nehru Evening College Hosts National Seminar on GST Reforms at Delhi University