Video: Yamuna Blanketed In Toxic Froth, Delhi Air Quality Remains Poor

Experts said the pungent foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing serious health risks.

In a double whammy for the national capital, the average air quality index remained in the poor category at 293 on Friday and severe frothing was reported in the Yamuna, with parts of the river remaining blanketed in white.  #WATCH | Delhi: Toxic foam seen floating on the Yamuna River. Visuals from Kalindi Kunj. pic.twitter.com/tXeBtNk4MI

The pungent foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing serious health risks, including respiratory and skin problems, environmental experts told news agency PTI. They said the pollution levels in the river are alarming and urged the government to tackle it on a war footing because major festivals like Chhath Puja are approaching.

"This kind of foam formation is common when fats from decaying plants and pollutants mix with the water, but its presence during the monsoon is surprising," an expert was quoted as saying by the news agency, attributing the frothing to the absence of flood spells that typically wash away pollutants.