The Yamuna River in Delhi, India, has been covered in foam during the celebration of Chhath Puja, a Hindu festival where devotees visit holy rivers to make offerings to the sun. The foam, which is said to have originated from sludge and untreated waste, has raised concerns about the city’s water pollution. To control the foam, the Delhi water board has reportedly been spraying a food-grade chemical.
Chhath Puja is an important festival in Hinduism, where families stand in the river for extended periods and take a dip as part of their rituals. However, the sight of the foam-covered Yamuna River has tainted the festivities, highlighting the ongoing battle against pollution in the Indian capital.
Delhi is notorious for its air pollution, which worsens during the winter months. With reduced wind speeds and cooler air, pollutants emitted by vehicles, industries, and farmers burning agricultural waste in neighboring states become trapped, exacerbating the problem. The foam on the Yamuna River serves as a stark reminder of the multiple environmental challenges faced by Delhi, including both air and water pollution.
Efforts to combat pollution in Delhi have been ongoing, but the foam-covered river serves as a visual representation of the struggles faced by the city. It underscores the need for continued actions to address the sources of pollution, improve waste management practices, and protect the environment for future generations.
