'Snow-Covered': Toxic Froth Covers Yamuna in Delhi Ahead of Chhath Puja, Netizens React

New Delhi: As winter approaches, the national capital is grappling with troubling scenes of the Yamuna River, which is now lathered with foam due to pollution, while the skies are covered in fog.

Several videos of the river, covered in a thick layer of froth, have gone viral. 

One particular clip features a reporter navigating the polluted waters during a boat ride, which has garnered significant attention on social media. Shared on X by the account Indian Tech & Infra. 

Reacting to the video one person questioned, "The river has become so toxic with ammonia froth. What is the government doing?" 

Another user asked, "So, all the taxpayer money spent on cleaning the rivers is going down the river... literally!"

A second video shared on X captures the shocking state of the Yamuna, with a caption that reads, "The Yamuna in our national capital, ladies and gentlemen. What a proud sight in a country with global ambitions. This is the CAPITAL."

Many netizens criticized the authorities for their lack of action. 

One user wrote, "The snow-covered Yamuna resembles Europe during winter." 

Another remarked, "I thought Delhi had a snowfall last night," while someone else pointed out, "The Yamuna River remains polluted with toxic foam as Chhath Puja approaches, despite efforts to reduce it. While some devotees still bathe in the river, health concerns persist."

Drone footage from Kalindi Kunj has also surfaced online, further capturing the alarming condition of the river.

What Causes the Froth?

Experts attribute the foam seen on the Yamuna to the presence of phosphates and surfactants in untreated sewage. This mixture, which constitutes about 1% of the foam, is worsened by untreated industrial effluents and organic matter from decaying vegetation. Pollutants from the sugar and paper industries in Uttar Pradesh, funneled through the Hindon canal, further compromise the river’s health.