Froth covers Yamuna River in Delhi ahead of festive season, posing health hazards

Yamuna River in Delhi covered in white froth poses health hazards, AAP monitoring situation closely.

On Friday (October 19, 2024), the Yamuna River in Delhi was covered with a thick layer of white froth, which experts say poses health hazards, especially as the festive season approaches.

Videos circulating on social media show vast sections of the river frothing, resembling clouds over the water, which gradually dissipated later in the day.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the City Government is closely monitoring the situation.

“Officials have already begun sprinkling defoamers to tackle the issue and the government is actively taking steps to manage and resolve the situation,” the party said in a statement.

Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), told PTI that normally, the upper segment of the Yamuna experiences significant flood spells, but this year, there was no such spell during the just-concluded southwest monsoon.

“This is unusual as the river generally witnesses at least a couple of low or medium flood spells in this segment every year,” Mr. Rawat said.

He highlighted that the pollution in the river is a serious concern affecting human health and wildlife.