Toxic Foam in Yamuna River and Delhi’s Air Quality Concerns
On Tuesday, toxic foam was observed floating on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area of New Delhi, highlighting the ongoing pollution issues. This follows a similar incident on Sunday. Dinesh Kumar, an NGO owner who cleans the Yamuna Ghats, expressed concerns about the foam’s harmful effects on skin and eyes, attributing it to untreated sewage.
On Saturday, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the AAP government, accusing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of “poisonous politics” and challenging him to swim in the polluted river.
Delhi’s air quality also worsened, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 385, classified as ‘very poor’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Areas like Anand Vihar and Kalkaji experienced thick fog, affecting visibility. The CPCB warned of health impacts, especially for those with respiratory issues.
Saif, a visitor to Kartavya Path, noted the breathing difficulties faced during October to December, urging timely government action to prevent future problems.
Doubts Revealed
Toxic Foam -: Toxic foam is a harmful, bubbly substance that forms on water bodies like rivers due to pollution. It is often caused by chemicals and untreated waste mixing in the water.
Yamuna River -: The Yamuna River is a major river in India that flows through several states, including Delhi. It is an important water source but is often polluted due to industrial and domestic waste.
Kalindi Kunj -: Kalindi Kunj is a popular area in Delhi, known for its park and amusement rides. It is located near the Yamuna River.
NGO -: NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. These are groups that work independently from the government to address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It often competes with other parties like the AAP in elections.
AAP -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in India. It is currently the ruling party in Delhi, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
CM Arvind Kejriwal -: Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party. He is responsible for the administration and governance of Delhi.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index. It is a number used to communicate how polluted the air is, with higher numbers indicating worse air quality.
Very Poor -: In terms of air quality, ‘very poor’ means the air is heavily polluted. Breathing this air can be harmful to health, especially for children and the elderly.