Governance, Policy and Sustainability Evaluation of Yamuna Action Plan

Abstract

The Yamuna River maintains its position as one of the most polluted water bodies in northern India despite multiple decades of intervention efforts. Recently, the Yamuna River has been subjected to heavy pollution loads caused by the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater and industrial effluents. This necessitates the need for managing the pollution caused in the rivers. So, the Yamuna Action Plan is initiated for the effective control of river pollution. The research evaluates Yamuna Action Plans YAP I–III through their policy design elements, their governance systems, and public–private partnership structures. The review uses data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB 2024) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC 2025) and academic research to demonstrate that sewage infrastructure development and technological advancements have increased substantially, yet weak governance and insufficient enforcement continue to block environmental restoration. The Delhi section of the Yamuna River maintains Biochemical Oxygen Demand levels exceeding 40 mg/L, which exceeds the required standards for bathing water quality. The paper supports three essential recommendations for Yamuna River sustainability through the establishment of basin-wide governance, performance-based funding, and permanent community engagement. From that, the significance of YAP, importance, and the plans for sustainable river pollution management are explored in this review.