The Yamuna River is known as the lifeline of Delhi, which is an important part of the city’s culture, history and environment. This river originating from Yamunotri Glacier in Himachal Pradesh divides Delhi into two parts. The historical sites situated on the banks of Yamuna such as the old fort, the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal (in Agra) reflect its cultural importance. However, due to the waste, sewage and encroachment of factories, Yamuna water has become very polluted today. Something similar happened with a river in Delhi, which is now anonymous. Most Delhiites will not even remember that river.
Actually, we are talking about the river Sahibi. It was once the basis of Yamuna as well as life and culture in Delhi, which has almost disappeared today. The name of the Sahibi River is unknown to the people of Delhi today, but its history and importance is very important to understand the environment and heritage of the city.
The Sahibi River was also called “Sabi”, in the Aravalli mountains of Rajasthan, near Jaipur as a Sai River. It passed through Rewari, Gurgaon and parts of Delhi in Haryana and joined Yamuna. Its tributaries in Delhi, such as Najafgarh Nala, still testifies to its existence.
According to historians, the Sahibi river was important for farming, trade and settlements in the areas around Delhi in the medieval period. It is also mentioned in the Mughal documents, when this river was important for the supply of water in the western parts of Delhi. But on the one hand the city was moving towards modernization, on the other hand the encroachment was swallowing the Sahibi river. The growing population, industrial waste and unplanned construction converted this river into drains and dirty drains. Najafgarh Nala, which was once the assistant stream of Sahibi, is now one of the most polluted water bodies in Delhi.
However, environmental workers and local organizations are trying to revive the Sahibi river. Campaigns are being carried out, there is a demand from the government that steps should be taken for cleaning the old roads of Najafgarh drain and regeneration. This will not only improve the environment of Delhi, but will also bring back the lost heritage of the city.