Yamuna bustling with foam: What causes foam? Why is it dangerous?

On November 14, days after Delhi's air quality worsened after Diwali, a thick coating of hazardous foam was seen in the Yamuna river. Some environmentalists speculate that the foaming may be caused by specific gasses released during a reaction with a limited number of bacteria. Although prevalent in the Yamuna, the froth has increased during the past 56 years. The Delhi branch of the BJP alleged on Tuesday that environment minister Gopal Rai had neglected addressing the poisonous white foam covering the Yamuna's surface, despite the fact that Chhath Puja is scheduled to be performed later this week.

About 80 per cent of the pollution in the Yamuna comes from the 22-kilometer region between Wazirabad and Okhla, which makes up less than 2 per cent of the river's 1,370-kilometer length from Yamunotri to Allahabad, according to the media reports. 
 

What causes foam in the river? 

The frothing and foaming of river water is essentially caused by the release of sewage that has been improperly treated or perhaps left untreated.

Experts believe that one of the main causes of the frothing in the river is the high concentration of phosphates and surfactants in untreated sewage from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

The holy river is also known to be the disposal site for chemical waste, primarily from denim dyeing operations that have established illegally near riverbanks. Other chemical pollutants also contribute by producing high levels of ammonia.

Moreover, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) claims that malfunctioning effluent treatment plants and numerous non-operational sewage treatment plants are contributing to the issue rather than solving it.

This time of year is known for having more foaming because of two main factors: the river is in its lean phase and the water flow is low.

These elements keep the contaminants from diluting and cause them to build up, causing the water's surface to appear frothy.
 

Sources of pollutants which cause foam ?

Particles of soap detergent may be present in untreated sewage. The organic matter from rotting vegetation, industrial effluents, and filamentous bacteria are the other sources.

The Yamuna is contaminated by pollutants from the Uttar Pradesh paper and sugar industries that pass through the Hindon Canal.

Why the foam is dangerous? 

This water contains a high amount of ammonia, which can be harmful to the lungs and cause gastrointestinal issues, illnesses like typhoid, and other problems if swallowed.

Skin irritation and allergies can result from brief exposure.

While, hormonal imbalances and neurological problems can result from long-term exposure to heavy metals found in industrial pollutants.
 

Political war of words over foaming in Yamuna 

The Delhi government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party, came under fire from the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday for the poisonous foam and pollution in the Yamuna river.

Earlier in the day, Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said the government has prepared over 900 ghats for Chhath Puja, apart from arranging water, tents, lights, and sound facilities at the designated ghats.

However, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said that the toxic foam spread over the Yamuna has “disturbed” the sentiments of the Purvanchali community members. He also criticised the government for not acting against the pollution in the city.

Gopal Rai, the environment minister, retaliated, calling out those connected to the BJP for their "absurd" excuses for endorsing the popping of firecrackers on Diwali, which caused a dramatic rise in pollution in the nation's capital.