Delhi's Yamuna Banks

The Yamuna River, the longest tributary of the Ganga River, has historically shaped Delhi’s ecological balance and cultural identity. Its expansive floodplains and sandy banks support biodiversity while serving as vital groundwater recharge zones. Today, however, the river mirrors the capital’s environmental strain, with nearly 58% of Delhi’s waste flowing into it, placing immense pressure on its fragile ecosystem and nearby communities.

In response to this urgent challenge, State Bank of India, in collaboration with Prabhaav Foundation, in 2021 initiated a large-scale plantation drive to restore the riverbanks. The project focused on planting 2,500 native saplings, such as Arjun, Bargad, Neem, Peepal, and Babool —along the stretch between Signature Bridge and Yudhisthir Setu. These indigenous species were chosen for their ability to prevent soil erosion, stabilise riverbanks, enhance rainwater absorption, and improve groundwater recharge.

The initiative soon gained momentum, with corporates like Orient Electric, Luminous Power Technologies, Fed Bank, AKAK Healthcare, and ICICI Lombard joining the effort. Together, we have planted over 18,000 saplings, reinforcing a shared commitment to ecological restoration.

Aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative strengthens community resilience (SDG 1), improves public health (SDG 3), supports water conservation (SDG 6), promotes livelihoods (SDG 8), enhances sustainable urban spaces (SDG 11), encourages responsible resource use (SDG 12), and advances climate action (SDG 13).

Through sustained collaboration, the Yamuna’s banks are gradually transforming—bringing Delhi closer to reclaiming a vital part of its natural and cultural heritage.