Current Affairs

Five state panel constituted for Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan

Source:hindustantimes ↗

Why It Matters

Understanding inter-state river rejuvenation panels and river pollution governance mechanisms is crucial for UPPSC aspirants, especially given the ecological crisis of the Yamuna River flowing through Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

Summary

A five-state panel has been constituted to oversee the Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan, focusing on inter-state coordination among Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan to address severe pollution and restore the ecological health of the Yamuna River.

Key Points

  • A new five-state panel has been established to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan across the river basin states.
  • The Yamuna river suffers severe environmental degradation and pollution issues, particularly across its urban stretches in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, making multi-state cooperative governance essential.
  • Inter-state coordination involves Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan to tackle sewage management, industrial discharge, and ecological flows.

Important Terms

Five-state panel

A multi-jurisdictional coordinating body established to oversee the Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan to tackle severe pollution and restore ecological flows.

UPSC context

Relevant for GS Paper III (Environment & Inter-state Governance); tests cooperative federalism and river basin management frameworks.

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Yamuna Rejuvenation Plan

A comprehensive interstate framework launched to clean and restore the ecological health of the Yamuna River through enhanced sewage treatment, industrial effluent monitoring, and environmental flow management.

UPSC context

Relevant for GS Paper I (Drainage System) & GS Paper III (Environmental Pollution); tests measures against urban river degradation.

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National Green Tribunal

A specialized judicial body established under the NGT Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of natural resources.

UPSC context

Relevant for GS Paper II (Statutory Bodies) & GS Paper III (Environment); frequently tested for judicial enforcement of pollution laws.

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Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act

A landmark 1974 central legislation aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution, establishing the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to regulate industrial and domestic discharges.

UPSC context

Relevant for GS Paper III (Environmental Legislation); foundational statute tested regarding pollution control mechanisms and statutory authorities.

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Prelims Trap

Only Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana comprise the Yamuna Rejuvenation panel.

Aspirants often assume only riparian states directly touching the river (Delhi, UP, Haryana) are involved, missing upper basin/catchment states like Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Static Concepts Connected

Indian Geography - Drainage System

What are the major tributaries of the Yamuna River and its origin?

  • Origin Point: Yamunotri Glacier located on the southwestern slopes of Bandarpoonch peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas.
  • Major Tributaries: Tons, Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, and Ken are the major left and right bank tributaries.
  • Confluence: It meets the Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Yamuna Rejuvenation + NGT Mandates

    The Yamuna's heavy pollution loads link river basin management with urban wastewater infrastructure and statutory directions under the National Green Tribunal.

  • Inter-State Water Governance + Basin Management

    Coordinating flows and anti-pollution norms across multiple states mirrors river basin disputes managed via tribunals under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.

Multi-state panels for river rejuvenation and NGT-led oversight are frequently tested in UPPSC environment matching/statement questions.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2018UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following rivers of Uttar Pradesh has been declared a 'Biological Disaster' due to environmental pollution?

  • 2020UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Consider the following tributaries of River Yamuna and arrange them from West to East : 1. Betwa 2. Ken 3. Sindh 4. Chambal Select the correct answer from the codes given below.

  • 2023UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    When did the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in which of the following year?