New Delhi: Just weeks before the start of the Chhath Puja celebrations, the toxic foam was seen floating on the surface of the Yamuna River yet again, raising fresh alarms about water quality in the national capital. The thick layer of foam, spotted near the Kalindi Kunj area, has drawn widespread concern as the four-day festival which is a deeply significant event for many people residing in Delhi.
Notably, Chhath Puja involves several rituals performed on riverbanks, making the state of the Yamuna particularly alarming for devotees this year. Despite earlier promises from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that efforts were being made to clean the holy river, the return of the foam has reignited worries about pollution levels.
VIDEO| Toxic foam floating on the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj
#WATCH | Delhi: Toxic foam seen floating on the Yamuna River. Drone visuals from Kalindi Kunj. pic.twitter.com/5VBa2B5l9q
— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2024
#WATCH | Delhi: Toxic foam seen floating on the Yamuna River. Visuals from Kalindi Kunj. pic.twitter.com/5KSQRjerSC
— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2024
Visuals raises serious health concerns
Experts believe the foam is caused by high phosphate levels in the river, which can result from untreated sewage and industrial waste. These chemicals can lead to serious health risks, including skin irritation and respiratory problems. With thousands expected to gather by the river for the festival, public health concerns have been sharply elevated.
Air Pollution in Delhi, deteriorating AQI values
Toxic foam has once again surfaced on the Yamuna River in the capital city, raising concerns despite ongoing initiatives to curb pollution. The river, notorious for its foul odor, remains severely polluted due to the continued discharge of untreated industrial waste and sewage. This latest incident comes just days after the Delhi government intensified its efforts to combat environmental hazards in the city. On Tuesday, the government announced the strict enforcement of Phase 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) to address the worsening air quality.
