As Yamuna Chokes, Political Heat Rises In Mathura Ahead Of 2027 UP Elections

Mathura (UP) : The deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River is fast emerging as a major political issue in Mathura ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections; Opposition parties are sharpening their attacks and the ruling BJP is citing ongoing sanitation measures. The latest February 2026 data from the State Pollution Control Board pointed out alarming pollution levels in key areas such as Kesi Ghat, Vishram Ghat and Gokul Dam.

“While key parameters such as temperature and pH remain within acceptable limits, some critical pollution indicators are far beyond safe standards,” said KP Singh of the Association for Biodiversity Research and Development, which analyzed the samples using official data.

He said high levels of turbidity, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in all three regions reflected “significant organic pollution in the river”.

According to the analysis, Vishram Ghat recorded the highest turbidity and bacterial contamination, making it the most polluted area, while Gokul Dam showed comparatively better dissolved oxygen but highest organic load. Kesi Ghat exhibited moderately high pollution levels.

The report also found extremely high concentrations of total and fecal coliform bacteria at all locations, indicating serious sewage contamination.

Experts said such conditions not only make water unsafe for human consumption and even risky for bathing without proper purification, but also pose a threat to aquatic biodiversity, allowing only pollution-tolerant species to survive.

The findings also noted that in December 2025, January 2026 and February 2026, water quality remained at Category ‘D’, suitable only for aquatic life.

The report attributed this decline to the discharge of untreated sewage, increased human activities along the ghats and inadequate wastewater management systems.

Environmental activist and first petitioner of the Yamuna Action Plan, Gopeshwar Nath Chaturvedi, blamed the “lackluster attitude” of the implementing agencies despite numerous court orders and policies.

“You can see the poisonous form on the other side of the Gokul Dam on the Yamuna River,” Chaturvedi said. he said.

He added: “Industries such as rice polishing and Todiya work use highly toxic chemicals such as cyanide as cleaning agents. The untreated water is then freely dumped into the river.”

“Sewage treatment plants are designed to treat sewage, not chemicals,” he said, adding: “Treating chemically-laden river water for drinking with chlorine and alum is a futile exercise, given the inability of both chlorine and alum to treat chemicals.”

Chaturvedi also demanded strict enforcement, saying overflow from sewage treatment plants, where sewers are connected to pumping stations, should not be allowed.

Pollution Control Board official Pankaj Yadav said, “Although Yamuna water is suitable for aquatic life, it is not suitable for drinking without purification. The foam on the other side of Gokul dam is primarily due to detergents from domestic use. When the water falls from a height, it forms foam. Its formation depends on the temperature difference. Therefore, it is more common in winters.”

He added that the ministry has organized a special drive to close the ‘todiya’ units.

The issue has now become political, with opposition parties preparing to raise the issue prominently in the parliamentary elections.

Congress leader Pradeep Mathur said: “Unfortunately, due to rampant corruption, the sacred river has now turned into a sewage pond. The total count of coliform and fecal coliform bacteria is dangerously high. The river remains clean only up to the HathniKund Barrage. It is almost dead for the next 35 km as the Haryana government does not release water and after that it has become so polluted that it cannot recover from there, leaving no fresh water in it.”

He added that despite the BJP governments at the Center and in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi, coordinated efforts were lacking and questioned the silence of the saints.

“Are they happy with the state of the river?” he asked, adding that “this will be an important issue in next year’s Vidhan Sabha elections.”

Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Ashok Agrawal said, “Vishram Ghat, an important religious center on the river, is described as the most polluted place. Thousands of Devotees from across the world visit Vishram Ghat and take a ceremonial sip of water and bathe in the Yamuna. This hurts their religious sentiments.”

“We expect a Sanatani government to at least protect the religious heritage,” he added.

Sanjay Chaturvedi ‘Alpine’, sewayat at Shri Yamuna temple at Vishram Ghat, said the deteriorating water quality has even started affecting religious practices.

“The river water is so polluted that it is no longer used to bathe Gopal Ji and Yamuna Maharani. Instead, we use well water,” he told PTI.

He added that now perfume bath is given to Yamuna Ji every day in the temple and river water is no longer kept in jhari (long-necked vessel) to be offered to the deity. “The silver is damaging the vessel and the water is infested with worms,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, Mathura MP Hema Malini said, “This is not just a river, it is a heritage,” adding that the government was working on an action plan.

Under the Namami Gange project, projects worth 460 billion have already been completed and projects worth about 493 billion have been approved and are ongoing. “I raised the issue in my meetings with Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and they assured me of quick action in this regard,” he said.

Its representative Janardhan Sharma said the funds will be used for construction of drains as well as sewage treatment plants and renovation of infrastructure in Mathura, Vrindavan, Chhata and Kosi.

BJP leader and Mathura MLA Srikant Sharma said, “The condition of the river has improved significantly since the BJP government came to power in 2017. We decided to utilize the nalas and build a large purification plant at Masani. Following the encouraging results from the purification plant, we have started utilizing all the remaining nalas. 19 out of 23 nalas in Mathura and 11 out of 13 nalas in Vrindavan.” Currently resting, nalas is expected to end soon.”

“The results of these efforts will soon be seen,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mukul Agrawal of Indian Oil’s Mathura Refinery said the plant is improving infrastructure to control pollution.

“The refinery uses a Sour Water Stripping Unit to separate H2S and NH3 gases, allowing the stripped water to be reused and reducing fresh water consumption,” he said, adding that wastewater treatment systems, including reverse osmosis, are available.

With scientific findings pointing to serious pollution and accusations by political parties, the Yamuna’s intertwined state of faith, ecology and public health will continue to be a controversial and emotional issue in Mathura ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.