The huge discharge of water in the Yamuna due to the recent floods has given a fresh lease of life to the flora and fauna in and around the river.
The Capital’s floodplains have been replenished with calcium-rich fresh white sand which, environmentalists said, would multiply the fertility of the soil and help in the growth of the flora along the banks.
Not only do the floodplains have a cleaner look, so rich is the soil that experts believe at least three cycles of vegetables and fruits can be grown in these areas without using any kind of fertilisers.
According to environmentalists, the water gushing into the river right now is very high on silt, which contains a lot of minerals like iron, copper, silica and calcium.
“The sand on the bank of the river in Delhi is very high in lead, mercury and chromium, which are not conducive for farming. The recent flood washed away these harmful elements and replaced them with good ones. The silt that comes down from the mountains is very conducive for crops,” said Rajendra Singh, an environmentalist and a Magsaysay award winner.
Moreover, the new sand which now forms the banks of the Yamuna, which stretches 22 km in the national Capital, looks white in color, which signifies the high percentage of calcium in it.
“The sand of the Yamuna in Delhi is highly porus. While it can absorb a lot of water, it can also release much of the water that it holds. This is an advantage. Fruits like watermelons and muskmelons can grow extremely well here as their roots do not go deep into the earth. Even vegetables like pumpkin can be grown here and none will need fertilisers because of the high percentage of minerals for at least two to three cycles,” said Manoj Mishra, Convener of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan.
Meanwhile the river, which just over two weeks back was covered with froth and filth, is now a treat to the eyes. The white sand on the banks of the river has added a glittery effect to the entire stretch and the vast floodplains of the river are lush green because of the tall grass growing there. Wild flowers that have grown there after the water receded have added a tinge of yellow and pink to the bed of green, making it a beautiful sight for sore eyes of the city dwellers.
Himanshu Thakkar, a water activist said, “A flood brings a lot of misery and hardship with it. However, it is beneficial for the people, as well as the environment, once the water recedes. It not only increases the fertility of the soil manifold, it also recharges the ground water level.”
Experts further said this form of natural cleaning of the Yamuna usually happens around August-September but this year the flood hit the city in June due to the early arrival of monsoon.
With the aquatic life in the Yamuna being replaced by froth and hazardous pollutants, the relentless flow of flood waters might bring the river back to life as fresh water will replace the polluted water.