The Yamuna River, once a lifeline of Delhi, is now one of the most polluted stretches of water in India. For the fishermen who depend on it, the river is not just a water body, but their only source of survival. As pollution levels rise, fish stocks decline, and livelihoods shrink, a deeper crisis is unfolding.
This Frontline Perspectives documentary explores the lived reality of fishermen along the Yamuna—men who continue to cast their nets into toxic waters despite dwindling returns. Through on-ground voices, market interactions, and expert insights, the film raises a pressing question: Is the fish reaching Delhi’s markets safe to eat?
From bioaccumulation of toxic pollutants to the failure of sewage treatment systems, the documentary examines how industrial waste, untreated sewage, and policy gaps have transformed the Yamuna into a public health concern. It also highlights the absence of state support for licensed fishermen and the larger systemic failure in addressing river pollution.