Delhi Jal Board, in collaboration with University of Virginia on Thursday unveiled the Yamuna River Project with a symposium cum exhibition as a part of the overall effort to map out an expansive, multidisciplinary prescription to clean Yamuna.

The discussion opened on the lines of eradicating the “snake” from the picture, the snake which is spreading poison in Yamuna – in the form of pollution. The discussion focussed on the fact that river is holy and we need to worship and protect it from getting polluted as it is close to our hearts.

The Yamuna River Project engages the efforts of government agencies, experts and activists, in India and internationally, in an ongoing research addressing the multidimensional challenges for the recovery of the relation between Delhi and its sacred Yamuna. As a result, the University of Virginia recently signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the New Delhi water authority to map out an expansive, multidisciplinary prescription to rehabilitate the pollution-choked Yamuna River.

The project engages students and faculty members from several disciplines, including public health, business, history, environmental sciences and politics.

“UVA faculty and students are excited and energized by this partnership and the opportunity that it represents to revive a great natural resource in India,” said UVA President Teresa Sullivan. “We hope that the Yamuna River project will lay the groundwork for many additional collaborations in India in the future,” said Teresa A. Sullivan, President, University of Virginia

The project is expected to bring about a paradigm shift by using sustainable bio-remediation technologies to clean water and robust long-term management strategies to create city-level assets for all. DJB has undertaken the project with the Department of Irrigation and flood control (I&FC) as an important delivery partner.                                                                            

An exhibition titled “The River Yamuna Project” was also inaugurated which will remain open for all till April 7. 

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal, Keshav Chandra, CEO Delhi Jal Board and Teresa A Sullivan, President University of Virginia were present on the occasion.