In a bold move to restore Delhi’s environmental health and cultural heritage, the Modi government has initiated the long-awaited clean-up of the Yamuna River and revived the historic Yamuna Aarti, a tradition abandoned for 27 years. This momentous step comes even before the swearing-in of Delhi’s new Chief Minister and marks a decisive break from Arvind Kejriwal’s failed promises, exposing the shortcomings of AAP and Congress over the years. The government’s commitment to rejuvenating the Yamuna emphasises its dedication to making Delhi a cleaner, more spiritually vibrant city.
After years of political promises and inaction by AAP government, the Modi government has finally begun the much-needed clean-up of the Yamuna River, fulfilling a long-standing promise to the people of Delhi. The clean-up operation officially commenced on Sunday under the supervision of Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena, who set an ambitious four-pronged strategy aimed at restoring the river’s health over the next three years. The project, which involves deploying trash skimmers, weed harvesters, and dredge utility crafts to remove waste from the river, is seen as a breakthrough in the effort to address one of the most critical environmental issues facing Delhi.
The move is also part of the BJP’s broader vision for Delhi, with the clean-up of Yamuna prominently featured in the party’s manifesto ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to restore the Yamuna during his election rallies, promising the people of Delhi that the river would be cleaned and revitalised. This commitment to action is in stark contrast to the promises made by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who repeatedly assured the citizens of Yamuna’s clean-up but failed to take meaningful steps during his tenure. Under Kejriwal’s leadership, the Yamuna continued to remain polluted, and the grand Yamuna Aarti, a centuries-old tradition, was discontinued for over two decades.
The Modi government’s proactive approach contrasts sharply with the broken promises of the AAP administration. Kejriwal, who had once promised to clean the Yamuna and address the city’s water crisis, was criticised for his lack of follow-through. The AAP government, in particular, had failed to implement a comprehensive plan to tackle the pollution of the Yamuna, leaving Delhiites disappointed and disillusioned.
Now, with the BJP back in power after a gap of 27 years, Delhi is witnessing a dramatic shift in how issues are being addressed. The government has not only launched the Yamuna clean-up project but has also revived the Bhavya Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat, a spiritual and cultural practice that was halted by the previous governments. The revival of this iconic evening ritual symbolises the BJP’s commitment to reconnecting Delhiites with their rich cultural heritage, which had been sidelined under the previous administrations.
During his election campaign, PM Modi made it clear that cleaning the Yamuna and making it a central feature of Delhi’s identity was one of his top priorities. In one of his victory speeches at the BJP headquarters, Modi stated, “We will make every effort to serve the Yamuna. No matter how much time it takes, we will ensure Yamunaji becomes the identity of Delhi.” This sentiment resonated with Delhiites, who have long been yearning for action on the river’s pollution and neglect. The commitment shown by the Modi government is expected to bring tangible change, with a dedicated team working to address the river’s pollution, restore its ecological balance, and revive the cultural practices that celebrate its importance.
Arvind Kejriwal’s failure to deliver on his promises regarding the Yamuna clean-up and environmental restoration has been a point of contention in Delhi’s politics. Kejriwal’s government repeatedly announced ambitious plans to clean the river but left the people of Delhi disillusioned with little progress on the ground. In contrast, the BJP, under Modi’s leadership, has demonstrated its ability to take immediate action, showcasing what decisive governance can look like.
The comprehensive plan to clean the Yamuna also includes cracking down on industrial units that release untreated effluents into the river, with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee tasked with enforcing environmental standards. This all-encompassing strategy is aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability for the river, not just a short-term fix.
The success of the Yamuna clean-up will be crucial for Delhi, not only for environmental reasons but also for preserving the spiritual and cultural connection the people of Delhi share with the river. The revival of the Yamuna Aarti, a tradition cherished by many for generations, highlights the importance of preserving cultural practices alongside environmental restoration.
For the people of Delhi, these steps are not just political gestures—they are a tangible shift in how their concerns are being addressed. The Modi government’s swift action in the first 100 days is a testament to the BJP’s ability to prioritise the issues that matter most to the people. With the clean-up of the Yamuna and the revival of the Aarti, the Modi government is setting a precedent for effective governance, contrasting the failure of Kejriwal’s AAP and the Congress party to deliver on their promises.
As Delhi moves forward into a new era of governance under the BJP, the rejuvenation of the Yamuna and the restoration of its cultural significance will play a vital role in shaping the city’s future. The Modi government’s decisive action is proving that, unlike the empty promises of the past, real change is possible when there is political will, leadership, and commitment to serving the people.
This transformation marks the beginning of a new chapter for Delhi, one where the Yamuna River will once again be a source of pride and spiritual significance for generations to come.
BJP won 48 of the 70 seats in the Delhi election, returning to office in the national capital after a gap of more than 26 years. AAP, which was running govt since 2013, secured only 22 seats.
