New Delhi, November 16, 2023: A thick layer of toxic foam was seen on Delhi's Yamuna River on Thursday, ahead of the Chhath Puja festival. The foam was seen floating on the surface of the river near the Kalindi Kunj area.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has deployed a team to spray chemicals into the river to dissolve the foam. However, it is unclear when the foam will completely disappear.
The toxic foam is caused by the release of untreated sewage and industrial waste into the river. The Yamuna River is one of the most polluted rivers in India, and the toxic foam is a common sight.
The Delhi government has been trying to clean up the Yamuna River for many years, but the progress has been slow. The government has allocated Rs 40,000 to Chhath Samitis for cleaning Ghats, but BJP leader Neeraj Tiwari has alleged that the AAP government has not given the allocated amount.
Delhi Minister Atishi has said that the sprinkling team is working on it and the toxic foam will completely vanish in the next two days.
The toxic foam is a major concern for the devotees who are planning to celebrate Chhath Puja on the banks of the Yamuna River. The devotees have been advised not to enter the river due to the toxic foam.
The Chhath Puja festival is a four-day festival that is celebrated by Hindus in North India. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God Surya and his wife Chhati Maiya. The devotees offer prayers to the Sun God and his wife on the banks of the river.
