Toxic Foam on Yamuna River Sparks Political Debate in Delhi
In New Delhi, toxic foam was observed on the Yamuna River in the Kalindi Kunj area, coinciding with rising air pollution levels. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) fell to 293, categorized as ‘Poor’. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its leader Arvind Kejriwal, accusing them of failing to address pollution issues. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari urged citizens to consider BJP in the upcoming elections, claiming AAP only reacts to problems after they arise.
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla described Delhi as a ‘poisonous gas chamber’, blaming AAP’s politics for the situation. He questioned the effectiveness of measures against stubble burning in Punjab, a significant pollution source, and criticized the ban on firecrackers during Diwali.
Air quality in various Delhi areas was reported as ‘Very Poor’, with Anand Vihar at 339, Dwarka Sector-8 at 325, and Vivek Vihar at 324. The Central Pollution Control Board warns that ‘Poor’ AQI can cause breathing discomfort, while ‘Very Poor’ AQI can lead to respiratory illnesses with prolonged exposure.
Doubts Revealed
Toxic Foam -: Toxic foam is a harmful, bubbly substance that forms on water bodies due to pollution. It can be dangerous for both the environment and people who come into contact with it.
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 often faces pollution issues.
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.
BJP -: BJP, or Bharatiya Janata Party, is one of the major political parties in India. It often competes with other parties like AAP in elections.
AAP -: AAP, or Aam Aadmi Party, is a political party in India, led by Arvind Kejriwal. It is currently in power in Delhi.
Arvind Kejriwal -: Arvind Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party. He is responsible for making decisions about the city’s governance.
Manoj Tiwari -: Manoj Tiwari is a Member of Parliament (MP) from the BJP. He is involved in political activities and discussions in Delhi.
Shehzad Poonawalla -: Shehzad Poonawalla is a member of the BJP who often speaks on political issues. He has been vocal about pollution problems in Delhi.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is the practice of burning leftover crop stalks in fields. It is a major cause of air pollution, especially in northern India.
