Delhi battles toxic foam crisis on Yamuna ahead of Chhath

The Yamuna river flowing through Delhi has become increasingly covered with glacier-like layers of toxic foam, raising fresh environmental concerns in the capital. The froth, which accumulates particularly during monsoon and winter months, contains hazardous pollutants and poses risks to both public health and aquatic ecosystems.

The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has announced plans to spray chemical defoaming agents over the coming weeks to control the proliferation of foam ahead of the Chhath festival, a significant religious celebration observed by millions across northern India. The festival typically involves ritual bathing in rivers, making water quality management a priority for civic authorities.

The foam formation results from industrial pollutants, detergents, and organic matter mixing with river water, creating the characteristic frothy layers. During the dry season, reduced water flow in the Yamuna concentrates these pollutants, exacerbating foam accumulation at various stretches, particularly near the Old Delhi and central zones.

The initiative to deploy defoaming chemicals represents one of several ongoing efforts by Delhi authorities to improve the Yamuna's water quality. Environmental experts have stressed the need for comprehensive pollution control measures, including industrial waste management and sewage treatment infrastructure improvements, to address the root causes of the contamination.