“Voicing the Yamuna 3.0” – A Collective Call for River Revival

 By Anupam Kumari

June 7, 2025, | Celebrating Environment Week & World Ocean Day

In a spirited celebration of Environment Week and World Ocean Day, a powerful and inspiring community-led cleanup drive titled “Voicing the Yamuna 3.0” was organized on June 7, 2025, at the banks of the Hindon River in Noida. The initiative marked the third edition of the campaign, reaffirming a strong commitment to revive the lost glory of the Yamuna and its tributaries while igniting public consciousness on river conservation.

Spearheaded in collaboration with Hari Koshish, The ThriveTogether NGO, We Rise Together NGO, and The Kind Citizen, the event brought together diverse voices and energies—students, professionals, environmentalists, civil society members, and local residents—all united in purpose. Each organization contributed its unique strengths, mobilizing volunteers and resources toward the shared mission of ecological restoration.

The drive focused on removing non-biodegradable waste, especially plastic, which poses a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems and public health. Volunteers actively engaged in waste collection, segregation of recyclables, and spreading awareness about the dangers of pollution and the importance of sustainable living.

Beyond the physical cleanup, the event stood as a symbolic act of reclaiming the dignity and health of our rivers, emphasizing not just environmental action but also civic responsibility and moral commitment. On-site discussions encouraged participants to reflect on everyday practices and adopt more eco-conscious lifestyles.

“Voicing the Yamuna 3.0” served as a beacon of grassroots action, reminding us that collective community efforts can spark transformative change. It demonstrated the power of unity, compassion, and citizen-led movements in addressing environmental crises and nurturing a cleaner, healthier planet.

This impactful initiative not only helped restore a part of the river but also renewed hope, reaffirming that every small step counts. It calls upon all individuals to not just observe environmental days, but to embody environmental stewardship every day, for the sake of our rivers, oceans, and the generations to come.