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Dynamite News
Dynamite News
National
DN Bureau

Delhi: Toxic foam in Yamuna raises pollution concerns ahead of Chhath Puja

Toxic foam in Yamuna

New Delhi: The National Capital's Kalindi Kunj area saw toxic foam floating on the Yamuna River on Friday, raising concerns among residents and political leaders over pollution just ahead of Chhath Puja.

The foam, a sign of high pollution levels, has prompted authorities to spray chemical defoamers to dissolve it.

BJP criticized AAP

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Delhi government, blaming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for pollution in the Yamuna. "On the next day of Diwali when we are here at Yamuna ghat, we can see a thick layer of foam on the river. 

The reason behind this foam (on the river) here is the corruption done by Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party. Now before Chhath Puja, they are sprinkling chemical defoamer," Poonawalla said.

Also Read | Delhi: Yamuna pollution level high as toxic foam floats in river

Delhi a gas chamber

"Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for making Delhi a gas chamber; we have to wear masks. They blame UP but forget about stubble burning in Punjab...They did not work on the reasons for pollution in Delhi", he added.

According to sources, a team from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has been involved in cleaning operations and spraying chemicals into the Yamuna River since last week to manage the foam that appears on the water's surface.

Representational image 

Impact on Chhath Puja

Local resident Hareram expressed similar concerns about pollution's impact on the upcoming Chhath Puja. He said, "You can see, there is so much pollution here. For Chhath Puja, we'll now have to think about whether it can even be done here or not.

Also Read | Delhi: Toxic foam covers Yamuna in Kalindi Kunj; Leads to health hazards

This is an important festival of the year, so how will people celebrate? They might be forced to do it at home."

Smog blanketed on Delhi

Meanwhile, a thick layer of smog blanketed parts of Delhi on Friday, the day after Diwali, pushing the city's air quality into the 'very poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

Most areas in the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 350, raising health concerns among residents. (with Agency inputs) 
 

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