Indian Capital's Battle with Hazardous Pollution: Sacred River near New Delhi Covered in Toxic Foam
A sacred river near New Delhi is engulfed in a hazardous layer of toxic foam, intensifying the battle against the city's acrid and noxious smog The Indian capital grapples with the devastating effects of pollution
Once again, sections of the Yamuna River - a revered tributary of the Ganges River - near New Delhi are covered in a hazardous layer of thick foam. This noxious froth, consisting of a blend of sewage and industrial pollutants, has formed as the Indian capital grapples with a pervasive and acrid smog that has engulfed the city.
Experts warn that the pungent foam, containing significant amounts of ammonia and phosphates, poses risks to respiratory and skin health. The recent emergence of this foam coincides with hazardous levels of pollution in New Delhi, affecting over 20 million residents and leading to the closure of schools and offices. Likewise, in India's Tamil Nadu state, a comparable mixture has been observed in a canal, as depicted in a video shared by the Press Trust of India. The foam is being swept onto the roads and obstructing the paths of vehicles and motorcycles due to strong gusts of wind.
Yamuna river covered with a thick layer of toxic foam due near Kalindi Kunj, on September 10, 2023 in New Delhi, India.
The Yamuna River has long been suffering from the disposal of harmful chemicals and untreated sewage, resulting in the dark and mucky appearance of certain areas. Additionally, its banks are marred by the presence of plastic waste.
The areas surrounding Delhi are the most polluted in terms of the river, primarily due to the high population density and excessive waste. Despite only 2% of the river flowing through the capital, Delhi is responsible for about 76% of the total pollution in the river, according to a government monitoring committee.
Experts report that the toxic mixture is a common occurrence on the Yamuna, and despite its harmful properties, villagers downstream still utilize the water for bathing and even consumption. Additionally, pictures from September depicted the formation of toxic foam on the surface of the Yamuna.
Every year, a multitude of Hindu devotees gather on the banks of the Yamuna river to partake in the ancient rituals of Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the revered sun god Lord Surya. With the river's surface covered in a thick layer of foam, devotees immerse themselves in the divine atmosphere, some even venturing through the foam for purifying baths and heartfelt prayers.
Commuters out on a smoggy morning amid rising air pollution levels on November 5, 2023 in Noida, India.
Sunil Ghosh/Hindustan Times/Getty Images
New Delhi's suffocating smog forces school closures and veils Cricket World Cup
The overwhelming pollution in New Delhi was further intensified this week as a suffocating layer of smog enveloped the city. Faced with this dire situation, numerous concerned residents resorted to purchasing air purifiers and donning face masks in an attempt to reduce exposure to the harmful fumes.
New Delhi has consistently been ranked as the world's most polluted city this week, according to the air quality company IQAir. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 517 on Thursday, classified as hazardous.
In contrast, Oslo, the least polluted city in the world, has an AQI of only three. Beijing, the capital of China, which used to frequently appear on the list of the most polluted cities, has made significant efforts to improve its air quality. It currently has an AQI of 25, categorized as "good."
Two other Indian cities - Kolkata and Mumbai - both ranked on IQAirs list of the worlds 20 most polluted cities, with AQI numbers of 205 and 102, both considered unhealthy.
