Waste

River of plastics: Yamuna floodplains flooded by waste

Plastic waste endangers river's flow and local biodiversity
Single-use plastics, including bags, bottles, wrappers, and food packaging, are often carelessly discarded, either directly into the river or in nearby areas where they eventually make their way into the water.
Single-use plastics, including bags, bottles, wrappers, and food packaging, are often carelessly discarded, either directly into the river or in nearby areas where they eventually make their way into the water. Photographs by Vikas Choudhary
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Plastic pollution in the Yamuna River has become a severe environmental issue, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and inadequate waste management systems.

The river, which flows through densely populated regions such as Delhi, is subjected to a constant influx of plastic waste.

The lack of proper waste disposal and recycling infrastructure intensifies the problem, leaving vast quantities of plastic to accumulate in the river.

Aquatic creatures such as fish and plants can mistake small plastic particles, known as microplastics, for food, leading to ingestion and poisoning. Over time, this disrupts the natural balance of the river, endangering biodiversity and affecting the food chain.
Aquatic creatures such as fish and plants can mistake small plastic particles, known as microplastics, for food, leading to ingestion and poisoning. Over time, this disrupts the natural balance of the river, endangering biodiversity and affecting the food chain.
Pollution in Yamuna
Yamuna floodbanks
Down To Earth
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