Chhath Festivity Faces Hurdles: Toxic Foam Floats on Yamuna Amid Pollution Alarms

Toxic foam on the Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj raises pollution alarms before Chhath Puja, prompting defamation by political figures like BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla against Delhi's AAP government. Amidst smog and hazardous air quality post-Diwali, residents express concerns about festival celebrations.

Toxic foam spotted afloat on the Yamuna River in Kalindi Kunj has sparked alarm just ahead of the Chhath Puja celebration. This environmental issue has seen residents and political figures express significant concerns about the ongoing pollution problems in the National Capital.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Delhi government and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of contributing to the river's deteriorating condition. "We observe a substantial layer of foam on Yamuna's surface post-Diwali, blamed on corruption by Arvind Kejriwal and AAP. Chemical defoamers are now being used just before Chhath Puja," said Poonawalla, further criticizing AAP for transforming Delhi into a 'gas chamber'.

Efforts by the Delhi Jal Board to manage the foam have been ongoing, yet doubts linger among residents like Hareram, who voiced pollution concerns affecting Chhath Puja celebrations. Worsened by post-Diwali smog, many areas in Delhi are experiencing 'very poor' air quality levels, with AQI readings soaring above 350 in regions like Anand Vihar and Jahangirpuri.

(With inputs from agencies.)