Delhi prepares Yamuna cruise despite BOD levels peaking at 70 mg/l
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Water quality standards and urban river management: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee reported a significant spike in Yamuna's biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and faecal coliform levels while the Delhi government prepares to launch a cruise service.
Background
The Yamuna's BOD peaked at 70 mg/l in July 2025, significantly exceeding the 3 mg/l limit. Faecal coliform levels at Asgarpur reached 38,000 MPN, far surpassing the 2,500 MPN limit.
Facts for Prelims
- FactBOD limit for Yamuna: 3 mg/l
- FactFaecal coliform limit: 2,500 MPN
- FactBOD peak recorded in July 2025: 70 mg/l
- PlaceAsgarpur: Recorded faecal coliform of 38,000 MPN
- PlaceInter-State Bus Terminal Bridge: Recorded BOD of 30 mg/l
Prelims practice question
What is the prescribed Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) limit for the Yamuna river?
- (a)7 mg/l
- (b)3 mg/l
- (c)15 mg/l
- (d)10 mg/l
Show answer
Answer: (b) 3 mg/l — The note specifies that the Yamuna's BOD peaked at 70 mg/l, significantly exceeding the 3 mg/l limit.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the challenges in maintaining the ecological health of the Yamuna river despite urban development and tourism initiatives.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory paradox: Promoting tourism activities while failing to meet statutory water quality standards
- Infrastructure gap: Inadequate sewage treatment capacity leading to high faecal coliform and BOD levels
- Monitoring limitations: Disparity in pollution levels across different points like Palla and Asgarpur
Keywords: Biochemical Oxygen Demand · Faecal Coliform · Water Quality Standards · Urban River Management · Pollution Mitigation
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Cyclone Arnab hits 17 Odisha districts; Gajapati worst-hit as 43,827 people evacuated · 29 October 2026
- Cyclone Arnab hits Andhra Pradesh with 135 kmph winds, causing five deaths · 29 October 2026
- Cyclonic storm Arnab makes landfall as Keralam temperatures set to rise 3–4 degrees · 28 October 2026
- Kerala High Court orders negotiations with MSC over Alappuzha coast sinking environmental damage · 28 October 2026
- Committee formed to investigate 19-month-old cheetah cub KGN22's death from gunshot injuries · 28 October 2026
- Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that Delhi’s winter air · 28 October 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.