Echoes of Urbanization in River Chemistry: A Seasonal WQI-Based Study of the Yamuna River

Abstract - The Yamuna River, spanning 1,376 km from the Himalayas to Prayagraj, is severely polluted due to urbanization, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff. This study analyses assessing pH, TDS, nutrients, and major ions. While post-monsoon data showed slight improvement, water quality remains critically poor, especially near Delhi and Agra. The Covid-19 lockdown highlighted the significant impact of human activity, as pollution levels temporarily declined. Despite interventions like the Yamuna Action Plans, untreated effluents and disrupted flow continue to degrade the river. To bring the river back to life and protect the communities that depend on it, we need immediate, well-coordinated efforts. This means improving wastewater treatment, reducing pollution, and managing resources sustainably—all working together to revive the river's health and support both ecosystems and people's livelihoods. Key Words: Yamuna River, Water Quality Assessment, Pollution Monitoring, Physicochemical Parameters, Water Quality Index (WQI) Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy Metal Contamination.