Froth and frolic
The Yamuna River is covered with a thick layer of froth, particularly during the festive season, which is raising health concerns as Chhath Puja nears.
No monsoon floods
This year, the absence of monsoon floods has led to rising pollution levels in the river.
Untreated sewage
A significant portion of the foam in the Yamuna is caused by untreated sewage from Delhi and nearby areas.
Industrial waste
Waste from factories, particularly from the paper and sugar industries, contributes heavily to pollution. The decomposition of organic matter like rotting vegetation further worsens this.
Health hazards
The toxic foam poses serious health risks, including respiratory issues like asthma and skin irritations.
More wories
After Diwali, pollution in the Yamuna is expected to increase as firecracker residue, waste, and toxic chemicals are predicted to enter the river.
Govt's response
In response to rising pollution levels, the government has formed a committee to address 13 critical pollution areas. Engineers from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) are assessing local sources of pollution to create a comprehensive action plan.
Politics rages
As Chhath Puja approaches, political tensions escalate. Delhi BJP leaders, led by Virendra Sachdeva, held protests against AAP, criticizing the government's failure to clean the Yamuna. Sachdeva took a symbolic dip in the river, accusing the Delhi government of corruption in handling funds for Yamuna cleaning.