Ghats, a series of steps leading down to water are a quintessential sight across India, woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of the nation. For millennia, these sacred sites have served as portals for devotees to immerse themselves in the purifying embrace of various water bodies, and to bid farewell to loved ones in their final journey. Yamuna Ghat, nestled along the banks of one of India’s most venerated rivers, the Yamuna, is one such place, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of time and tradition.

Situated near a cremation ground in the historic heart of Delhi, Yamuna Ghat retains its significance to this day. At the break of dawn, the ghat transforms into a sanctuary of avian splendor, as hundreds of seagulls descend in a majestic ballet to feed. The ethereal reflection of these birds upon the still, morning waters, intermingled with the hues of a burgeoning sunrise, crafts a tableau of breathtaking beauty. Across the ghat lies an untouched marshland, a verdant remnant of an ancient Delhi, shrouded in mist and echoing the whispers of a bygone era.

Yet, beneath this veneer of serene beauty, lies a stark and sorrowful truth. The Yamuna River, while hallowed and revered, is beset by a harrowing reality—it is among the most polluted rivers in the world. The outer beauty of this haven belies the unfathomable depths of sewage that lurk beneath its surface. The water, a dark, ominous black, exudes a pungent stench that pervades the air, casting a shadow over the otherwise picturesque scene.

Accessing the ghat is a straightforward endeavor, guided by its location on Google Maps and the helpful directions of local residents. To truly witness the avian spectacle, a visit at dawn is imperative. Here, boat drivers await, offering passage across the water for a modest fee of approximately 100 rupees. However, one must remain vigilant, as the gulls overhead may inadvertently shower visitors with the polluted water they traverse.

My visit to Yamuna Ghat, spurred by the captivating allure of Instagram reels, was a sobering experience. The romanticized portrayals on social media fell starkly short of the grim reality. It is profoundly disheartening that such a sacred and historically rich site suffers from the blight of neglect and pollution. The government’s inaction in addressing this environmental catastrophe stands as a somber testament to the challenges we face in preserving our natural and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, while Yamuna Ghat offers moments of undeniable beauty and a fleeting glimpse into the Delhi of yore, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental stewardship. The juxtaposition of splendor and sorrow here is a call to action—a plea for the restoration of the Yamuna River to its rightful, pristine glory.