As Chhath Puja approaches, set for November 6 to 8, concerns are rising over the toxic foam inundating the Yamuna River, particularly at Kalindi Kunj. This foam is a stark indicator of the severe pollution plaguing the river, prompting authorities to deploy chemical defoamers in an attempt to address the situation.
Recent footage from has highlighted the alarming pollution levels in the river, with a thick layer of foam visible. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has criticized the Delhi government, particularly the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for their handling of the pollution crisis. He stated, “The foam is a direct result of the corruption perpetrated by Arvind Kejriwal and AAP. While we’re witnessing this pollution, they are simply sprinkling chemical defoamers instead of addressing the root causes.”
Poonawalla further accused Kejriwal of contributing to Delhi’s air quality crisis, likening the city to a gas chamber where residents are forced to wear masks. He pointed to the failure to tackle pollution from stubble burning in Punjab and deflected blame toward Uttar Pradesh.
In response to the worsening situation, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has initiated the spraying of anti-foaming agents around the Okhla barrage, with plans to apply approximately 12-15 tons of a diluted solution leading up to Chhath Puja. Officials noted that the appearance of white foam on the Yamuna is a recurring issue each winter, caused by high levels of untreated sewage and industrial pollutants. This ongoing environmental challenge raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of the measures taken to ensure a cleaner river and air for residents.