Delhi govt launches ‘I Love Yamuna’ drive to clean river

The Delhi government has launched the “I Love Yamuna” campaign to rejuvenate the Yamuna river. The campaign aims to encourage people to participate in cleaning activities and increase the green cover on the river’s banks.

The initiative was inaugurated by Delhi Environment and Forest Minister Gopal Rai at Chhath Ghat near ITO. Approximately 1,500 students and teachers from Eco Clubs of different schools in Delhi have registered to take part in the campaign.

The main objective of the program is to educate children about the importance of the Yamuna river and address the issue of pollution in Delhi. During the program, the children actively engaged in a slogan-writing competition focused on promoting cleanliness and pledged to keep the Yamuna river clean. The environment and forest department distributed medicinal plants to all attendees of the event.

Minister Rai emphasised that the Yamuna river is not just any river for Delhi but a crucial resource that sustains a vast ecosystem within the city.

He acknowledged that the river’s ecological balance has been disrupted due to the excessive discharge of chemicals, plastics, and other non-biodegradable pollutants. However, the government is committed to preserving the sanctity of this sacred river and is taking necessary measures.

The “I Love Yamuna” campaign is part of the Summer Action Plan launched by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, which includes a public awareness campaign. The campaign will focus on increasing the green cover along the Yamuna’s banks through a tree plantation drive and encouraging Delhiites to actively participate in river cleaning activities. (With inputs from PTI)