Yamuna faces mining onslaught

The Yamuna, once a lifeline for Yamunanagar district, is now under severe threat as rampant illegal mining tears through its ecosystem, jeopardising agriculture, biodiversity, and the lives of communities that depend on it.

Driven by soaring demand for sand and gravel in construction, unregulated extraction has turned the riverbed into a site of unchecked exploitation. Heavy machinery digs deep into the Yamuna’s banks, altering its natural course, eroding sediment, and clouding the water with pollutants that smother aquatic habitats.

“The impact is visible everywhere — from damaged riverbanks to disrupted irrigation,” said Brijesh Kumar, a farmer from Devdhar village. “We get Yamuna water for only a few months a year. The government should ensure year-round irrigation water,” he added.

However, officials argue that the river’s natural flow has diminished. “Yamuna flows at a very low level for most of the year, making it impossible to provide water throughout,” a government officer said, acknowledging the scarcity.

The consequences ripple across sectors. Altered riverbeds worsen flooding during monsoons, inundating farmland and villages, while in dry months, water retention is so poor that scarcity deepens. Dust from excavation pollutes the air, leading to respiratory ailments in nearby communities. Groundwater depletion — linked to disturbed aquifers — also threatens drinking water access.

Beyond the environmental cost, the cultural and spiritual significance of the Yamuna is eroding. Revered as a sacred river, its decline is seen as a loss to heritage and faith.

Despite existing regulations, enforcement remains feeble. “Mining agencies are operating outside allotted areas, blocking natural water flow, and carrying out illegal mining at night, which is banned,” said Advocate Waryam Singh, a petitioner in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “This violates rules, endangers aquatic life, and continues with the connivance of corrupt officials who support the illegal mining mafia for personal gain.”

Recent government measures have had limited impact. According to data from the Mines and Geology Department, Yamunanagar, 20 FIRs were registered against illegal mining from January to April 2025. Additionally, 107 FIRs were filed for illegal transport of mining materials. The department also seized 354 vehicles in this period.

“To curb illegal activities, 11 checkposts have been established across the district,” said Rohit Singh Rana, Inspector, Mines and Geology Department.

Still, environmentalists and local activists demand stronger action. “The Yamuna’s plight reflects a larger failure in sustainable resource management,” said a social activist. “We need stricter enforcement, eco-friendly practices, and community participation to preserve the river’s ecological and cultural legacy.”

He said, “Without swift and collective action, the Yamuna risks becoming a shadow of its former self, with communities and ecosystems paying the price.”