Toxic Foam and Rising Pollution in Delhi’s Yamuna River
On a Saturday morning in Delhi, toxic foam was spotted on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area, coinciding with a rise in air pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city dropped to 226, categorized as ‘Poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board. The Akshardham and Anand Vihar areas recorded the highest AQI at 334, labeled ‘Very Poor’.
Resident Ashish Kumar Meena expressed concerns about the increased pollution near Akshardham, causing throat and breathing issues. He urged the government to take action against those contributing to pollution. Another resident suggested using public transport and carpooling to reduce pollution.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai noted the worsening air quality as winter approaches, with 13 hotspots in the city where AQI exceeded 300. He instructed authorities to identify local pollution sources. Rai also criticized the opposition for not addressing pollution issues in neighboring states.
Doubts Revealed
Toxic Foam -: Toxic foam is a harmful, bubbly substance that forms on the surface of water bodies like rivers. It is usually caused by pollution from chemicals and waste, making the water unsafe for people and animals.
Yamuna River -: The Yamuna River is one of the major rivers in India, flowing through several states, including Delhi. It is an important water source but is often polluted due to waste and chemicals being dumped into it.
Air Quality Index (AQI) -: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to communicate how clean or polluted the air is. A higher AQI means more pollution, which can be harmful to people’s health, especially in ‘Poor’ or ‘Very Poor’ categories.
Delhi Environment Minister -: The Delhi Environment Minister is a government official responsible for managing and protecting the environment in Delhi. Gopal Rai is the current minister, working to address pollution issues in the city.
Pollution Hotspots -: Pollution hotspots are specific areas where pollution levels are particularly high. These areas need special attention to reduce pollution and improve air and water quality.
Opposition -: In politics, the opposition refers to political parties or groups that are not in power. They often challenge the actions of the ruling party and suggest alternative solutions.
