Toxic Foam Takes Over India’s Sacred Yamuna River – Residents on Alert

The Yamuna River, considered one of India’s sacred rivers, has recently become filled with toxic foam, causing shock and concern.

According to the Hindustan Times and India Today, the Yamuna River, which flows through the Kalindi Kunj area of northern Delhi, has been covered in toxic foam since Friday, posing a severe threat to residents’ health.

While covering the scene, a reporter from the local media outlet Indian Tech & Infra shared footage of himself struggling through thick layers of foam as he crossed the river by boat.

The Yamuna River, a 1,370-kilometer (851-mile) northern tributary of the Ganges, flows through several major cities, including Delhi. Despite its revered status, particularly during religious events such as Chhath Puja, where devotees immerse themselves in the river, the waterway has suffered from chronic pollution due to decades of untreated sewage and industrial discharge.

This isn’t the first time the Yamuna has been plagued by toxic foam. Similar incidents have occurred annually, with the foam typically appearing when water levels drop. However, this year, the foam emerged even during the monsoon season, raising additional concerns.

Despite significant annual budgets allocated for cleaning the river, the recurring nature of the pollution has led to growing frustration. Many citizens have taken to social media, questioning, “Where is all the money being spent?” and calling for more effective solutions to address the ongoing environmental crisis.