Toxic Foam Disrupts Yamuna River Ahead of Chhath Puja in Delhi
Toxic Foam Sighted on Yamuna River
File image shows a thick layer of toxic foam floating on the surface of the Yamuna river near Kalinda Kunj in Delhi(Photo: @GovilAnoop/X)
New Delhi, Oct 24: On Saturday, a disturbing sight of toxic foam was observed on the Yamuna River near the Okhla Barrage, with visuals depicting a thick layer of foam extending towards Kalindi Kunj. This occurrence is particularly concerning as the Chhath Puja festival approaches, a time when many gather at the Yamuna ghats.
This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of pollution in the river, despite the Delhi government's efforts to enhance its water quality.
Footage from Kalindi Kunj illustrated foam floating on the river's surface, underscoring the persistent challenge of pollution in the national capital.
The foam's presence is often linked to pollutants such as detergents and untreated industrial wastewater. However, the exact cause of the foam seen on Saturday has not been confirmed.
Earlier this month, a significant cleanliness initiative was launched along the Yamuna ghats as part of the ‘Chalo Yamuna’ campaign. This event saw thousands of young volunteers, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs, and public representatives come together for cleanup efforts.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta spearheaded the cleanliness drive, which took place at all 70 locations along the Yamuna ghats and nearby areas.
Encouraging residents to become ‘Yamuna Praharis’, the Chief Minister emphasized, “Cleanliness is not merely a campaign but a lifestyle, and it is our shared duty to ensure that no waste enters the Yamuna.”
In related news, Delhi's air quality has remained in the ‘poor’ category for the third consecutive day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 180, as per the latest reports.
Pollution levels have surged following Dussehra celebrations, exacerbated by smoke and unfavorable weather conditions affecting air quality across Delhi-NCR.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) earlier this week after the AQI fell into the poor category.