Toxic Foam Begins to Engulf River Yamuna’s ‘Holy Water’ Yet Again, Right In Time for Chhath Puja (VIDEO)

The frothing isn't a new phenomenon, and has been observed repeatedly these past few years. Its recurrence this year highlights the government’s continued lack of intent and prioritisation to clean the river.

"Environmental governance doesn't seem to be a priority for the Delhi government. The unfortunate part is that there is a lack of political intent, zero urgency in cleaning the Yamuna and minimal action on the ground, leading to frequent foaming and frothing of the river," Vimlendu Jha, an environmentalist, was quoted as saying by PTI.

River and water pollution aside, this toxic foaming is also waiting to cause an adverse impact on the residents of the national capital. With the Chhath puja festival coming up on October 30, Chhath devotees will be forced to risk their health yet again, when they enter the Yamuna to offer prayers to the Sun God.

Such exposure to the toxic foam can lead to skin allergies, irritation, and different types of skin pigmentation, including vitiligo and autoimmune diseases. In severe cases, it could even cause skin cancer and contagious viral warts.

But what causes the foaming in the first place? Essentially, it is triggered by the effluents discharged by industries, which contain a high concentration of ammonia and phosphate. Some illegal jeans-making units even dump chemical waste — mainly the substances used to dye denim — in the holy river.

With over 3,500 million litres of untreated effluents released into the river every year, coupled with the river flow dropping below minimum levels from November to March, the pollutant accumulation reaches its annual peak around this time of the year.

**

For weather, science, and COVID-19 updates on the go, download The Weather Channel App (on Android and iOS store). It's free!