Context
A tragic boat capsizing incident occurred in the Yamuna River in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. The boat was carrying devotees from Punjab towards Keshi Ghat near Vrindavan. Preliminary reports suggest the vessel was overcrowded and collided with an iron pontoon bridge due to gusty winds, leading to the accident. The National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF and SDRF) were deployed for rescue operations.
1. Geographical Profile of the Yamuna River
- Origin: The river originates from the Yamunotri Glacier on the southwestern slopes of the Bandarpunch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the lower Himalayas (Uttarakhand).
- Length: It is the longest tributary of the Ganges.
- Confluence: It meets the Ganges at Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, at a point known as the Triveni Sangram.
- Basin States: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
2. Key Tributaries
| Bank | Major Tributaries |
| Right Bank | Chambal (Gandhi Sagar dam, Rana Pratap Sagar dam), Sind, Betwa, and Ken. |
| Left Bank | Hindan, Tons, and Rishi Ganga. |
3. Historical and Cultural Significance
The banks of the Yamuna are home to several significant Indian cities and heritage sites:
- Delhi: The national capital.
- Agra: Location of the Taj Mahal.
- Mathura & Vrindavan: Birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna.
- Prayagraj (Allahabad): Renowned for the Triveni Sangam.
4. Environmental Challenges
- Pollution: The Yamuna is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, especially the stretch between Wazirabad and Okhla in Delhi.
- Ammonia Levels: Frequent “Ammonia spikes” in the river often disrupt the drinking water supply in the national capital region.
Consider the following statements regarding the Yamuna River:
1. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand.
2. It is the longest tributary of the Ganges.
3. It joins the Ganges at Varanasi.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct: The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier located on the southwestern slopes of the Bandarpunch peaks in the Mussoorie range of the lower Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
• Statement 2 is Correct: The Yamuna is the longest and the second-largest tributary of the Ganges River. It flows for approximately 1,376 kilometers before joining the Ganges.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Yamuna joins the Ganges at Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), not Varanasi. This confluence point is famously known as the Triveni Sangam, where the Yamuna, Ganges, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
