This article should be cited as: Vazhayil, A.M.; Wantzen, K.M. (2023): Yamuna: A Goddess in Distress. In: Wantzen, K.M. (ed.): River Culture – Life as a Dance to the Rhythm of the Waters. Pp. 241–260. UNESCO Publishing, Paris. DOI: 10.54677/GTGJ9247 11 Yamuna: A Goddess in Distress Vazhayil, Alvin M. 1 , Wantzen, Karl M. 1, 2 1 CNRS UMR CITERES, University of Tours, Tours, France 2 UNESCO Chair River Culture, University of Tours, Tours, and CNRS UMR LIVE, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France Summary The Yamuna is considered one of the holiest rivers in the Indian subcontinent. The river is a part of India's history, dating back to the Mahabharata era (1450 BC), the Indus valley civilization, and the Mughal era of the 17 th century. The river has been a symbol of spirituality and nobility. However, the river has been facing severe environmental degradation since the past century. The country's rapid development and industrial revolution have exerted tremendous pressure on the river basin, with the river's 22 km stretch through the National Capital Territory of Delhi being heavily pollut- ed. The disposal of untreated or partly treated industrial and sewage effluents, the inefficiency of the sewage treatment plants, agricultural activities, canalization, and diversion of water to meet the growing population's needs in the lower segments has led to the present devastating state of the riv- er. Although the upper segments are comparatively cleaner and healthier, overgrazing and urban- ization threaten the basin's biodiversity. Even when the Yamuna is a center of attraction for spiritual activities, the river is exploited with devotees disposing of offerings, dead bodies, mass bathings, and over-tourism. Such activities have degraded the riverine biodiversity, especially in the plains, with many species endangered or extinct. Steps to ensure the protection of riverine ecosystems like Ramsar sites, biodiversity parks, and natural sewage treatment plants to improve the river's biotic features are positive signs. Various NGOs and religious groups do their part by spreading aware- ness through festivals and rituals, educating the public to reduce plastics and non-biodegradable materials harmful to aquatic life. 11.1 Introduction Every social group and every actor in a society has a cultural engagement with water (Johnston et al. 2011). The cultural role of water in shap- ing societies and supporting lifelines has been a field of interest for researchers in recent times. The River Culture Concept (Wantzen et al. 2016) explores such cultural features of rivers world- wide and highlights its importance as a motiva- tion for sustainable river management. Indian rivers take precedence while talking about the cultural importance of rivers for societies, with their role in mythologies, traditions, festivals, death, and even in concepts about the afterlife. The water in the Ganges (Ganga-Jal) is proven to have self-cleansing and healing properties, such as antibacterial properties and the ability to retain a high amount of dissolved oxygen even in highly polluted conditions (Panda et al. 2018). Hindus believe that Ganga gives liberation from the cycle of life and death (Moksha). The Yamuna is regarded as the second holiest river in the country, only next to the Ganges. It is the second-largest tributary of the Ganga and the longest in India. Descending from the Hima- layas, it has been a lifeline for millions of people depending on it. The river has been the epicenter of celebrations, festivals, recreation, and water source for various purposes for the inhabitants along its banks. It has played a significant role in the Indus valley civilization and had been a sign of nobility and royalty during the Mughal Era in the 16 th century. It is still the center of various socio-political decisions and daily rituals, with