Devotees take a dip in the Yamuna River during Chhath Puja, even though the river is covered in toxic foam. This foam is caused by pollution from factories and homes. People are worried about the health risks of bathing in the polluted water.
On November 6, 2024, numerous Hindu devotees gathered at the Yamuna River in Delhi to celebrate Chhath Puja, a festival honoring the Sun God, Lord Surya. Even though thick layers of toxic foam covered the river, worshippers continued with their traditional dips, showing their deep devotion despite the pollution.
Untreated sewage and industrial waste create foam that poses serious health risks. Experts say that it contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, which can cause skin and breathing problems. This toxic foam has appeared in the Yamuna before. Especially around Chhath Puja, when people visit the river in large numbers to perform rituals.
Yamuna’s pollution has become a political issue. Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blamed the BJP-led governments in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for allowing industrial pollutants to flow into the river. They argue that industries upstream are the main reason for the toxic waste flowing into Delhi’s part of the Yamuna, one of India’s most polluted rivers.
The Delhi government tried to address the problem by deploying 15 boats to clear the foam from the river. However, these efforts were not enough, as more foam kept appearing. Environmental experts say the issue is much deeper. They also noted that Delhi’s stretch of the Yamuna has become so polluted over the years that it now lacks fish and other wildlife.
Devotees Are Still Offering Rituals
Despite these dangerous conditions, devotees like Gunjan Devi feel they have no choice but to follow the tradition. “The water is extremely dirty, but we don’t have many options,” she said. This highlights the difficult situation devotees face as they try to perform religious rituals in unsafe conditions.
The pollution in the Yamuna impacts not only Delhi but also cities downstream like Faridabad and Agra. These are the areas where people rely on the river for drinking and irrigation. Environmentalists call on multiple states to take urgent action to clean the river and prevent further damage. The toxic foam seen during Chhath Puja serves as a clear reminder of the urgent environmental issues affecting India’s rivers, and the need for lasting solutions.
