Hindon River

A recent survey of the Hindon River has raised serious environmental concerns. Preliminary tests conducted at several locations along the river indicate zero dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. This situation renders the water uninhabitable for most aquatic life, highlighting the extreme level of pollution in the river.

About Hindon River

• Tributary: The Hindon is a tributary of the Yamuna River.

• Origin: It originates in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, in the Siwalik Hills, at an elevation of about 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level.

• Course: The river flows across the industrial belt of Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before merging with the Yamuna near Noida.

• Length: The river stretches approximately 400 km.

• Tributaries: Its main tributaries are the Kali (West) River and Krishni River.

• Historical Significance: Archaeologists have found traces of the Harappan civilization on its banks, with sites dating back to 2500 BC.

Environmental Concerns

The Hindon River faces severe pollution due to urban, agricultural, and industrial waste being discharged without adequate treatment.

• The river is entirely rain-fed, with water levels increasing significantly during the monsoon season.

• In 2015, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) declared parts of the Hindon as a “dead river”, stating that some stretches were unfit even for bathing.

• The recent finding of zero dissolved oxygen is a critical indicator that the river is now extremely hostile to aquatic life.

Implications

• Aquatic Life: Most species cannot survive in water with zero dissolved oxygen.

• Public Health: Polluted water poses risks to communities relying on the river for domestic or agricultural purposes.

• Restoration Needs: Urgent steps are required, including strict industrial regulation, effective sewage treatment, and active community participation.