Rivers in fast-changing and expanding Indian cities have become contested natural features. Though central to such human settlements for long, which have depended on them for water security, livelihoods, biodiversity and cultural life, more recently they face threats from new urbanization of their flood plains, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity as the city encroaches upon them. Based on a case study of the river Yamuna flowing through the mega city of Delhi, the article brings forth the limited understanding of such natural features in urban planning and the public discourse in general. It explores in detail the changing landscape, its implication on the long-term sustainability and the wider implications of their destruction in urban settings.