Toxic Foam in Yamuna River Raises Concerns Before Chhath Puja
Pollution in Kalindi Kunj Area
In New Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj area, toxic foam was seen floating on the Yamuna River, alarming residents and political leaders about pollution just before Chhath Puja. This foam indicates high pollution levels, prompting authorities to use chemical defoamers to dissolve it.
Political Reactions
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Delhi government, blaming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the pollution. He stated, “On the next day of Diwali, we see a thick layer of foam on the river due to corruption by Arvind Kejriwal and AAP. Now, before Chhath Puja, they are sprinkling chemical defoamer.”
Local Concerns
Local resident Hareram expressed worries about the pollution’s impact on Chhath Puja, questioning if the festival could be celebrated at the river. He remarked, “Whichever government it is, they focus on their vote bank, but the public suffers.”
Air Quality Issues
Following Diwali, a thick smog covered parts of Delhi, worsening the air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported ‘very poor’ air quality, with areas like Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri recording high Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, posing health risks.
Doubts Revealed
Toxic Foam -: Toxic foam is a harmful, bubbly substance that forms on water surfaces due to pollution. It can be dangerous for people and animals who come into contact with it.
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 often faces pollution issues.
Chhath Puja -: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. People pray and make offerings to the Sun, often near rivers.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India. It is one of the two largest parties in the country, along with the Indian National Congress.
Shehzad Poonawalla -: Shehzad Poonawalla is a politician and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India. He often speaks on political issues and criticizes opposition parties.
Arvind Kejriwal -: Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He is responsible for the administration and governance of Delhi.
AAP -: AAP stands for Aam Aadmi Party, a political party in India. It was founded to fight against corruption and focuses on issues like education and healthcare.
AQI -: AQI stands for Air Quality Index, a number used to communicate how polluted the air is. A higher AQI means more pollution and greater health risks.