The national capital faced a dual environmental challenge on Friday, with both severe air pollution and alarming levels of froth blanketing parts of the Yamuna River. Experts have sounded the alarm, warning of serious health risks posed by the foam, which contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates.
According to environmental experts, the toxic froth can cause respiratory and skin issues due to its harmful chemical composition. “This kind of foam formation is common when pollutants and decaying plant fats mix with water, but its presence during the monsoon is unusual,” an expert said, adding that the lack of heavy flood spells that usually wash away pollutants might be contributing to the persistent frothing. As festivals like Chhath Puja approach, experts have called on the government to address the pollution crisis urgently.
Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi remained concerning. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) in many parts of the city remained in the “poor” category, with a citywide average of 293. Some areas fared even worse, with AQI levels in Wazirpur reaching 379, Vivek Vihar at 327, Shadipur at 337, and Punjabi Bagh at 312, indicating dangerously polluted air.
In response to the air quality crisis, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that the government had identified 13 pollution hotspots across the capital. To mitigate dust pollution, 80 anti-smog guns will be deployed, and each hotspot will have a local committee to monitor and address sources of pollution. Rai emphasized that the government is taking steps to combat the pollution, adding that efforts to ensure 24-hour electricity have reduced generator emissions in the city.
However, the political blame game surrounding the pollution issue continues. North East Delhi MP and BJP leader Manoj Tiwari criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, claiming they have failed to address the ongoing pollution crisis. “Arvind Kejriwal has been the chief minister for 10 years, and despite this, pollution in both the air and the river is turning fatal again. This is just the beginning,” Tiwari said.
In response, Gopal Rai defended the government’s efforts, accusing the BJP of neglecting environmental issues. “We are doing everything we can to curb pollution. The BJP spreads pollution, while our government is working to reduce it,” Rai asserted.
As the city’s air and water quality continue to worsen, citizens face heightened health risks, and pressure mounts on authorities to implement long-term solutions to address the escalating environmental crisis.
Sources By Agencies
