NEW DELHI: Thick white foam has resurfaced on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj even as air pollution worsens across Delhi-NCR, with the region’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 168, indicating unhealthy air quality.
The twin environmental concerns have once again brought the capital’s persistent air and river pollution problems into focus, days after Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the government’s efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna through major infrastructure projects.
Delhi AQI reaches 168 as PM2.5, PM10 dominate pollution levels
PM2.5 and PM10 continued to be the primary pollutants across the national capital, although air quality readings varied between monitoring stations.
The AQI was around 110 at PGDAV College in Sriniwaspuri, while several other stations recorded readings ranging from 118 to above 180.
The worsening air quality prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to invoke Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21 to tackle rising pollution levels.
Under GRAP Stage 1 restrictions, the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries is prohibited.
The use of diesel generators is also restricted to essential and emergency purposes.
Thick white foam resurfaces near Kalindi Kunj
Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed extensive layers of white foam floating on the Yamuna’s surface, highlighting the continuing challenge of river pollution in Delhi.
The latest appearance of foam comes just days after chief minister Rekha Gupta praised the government's efforts to revive the river.
She had described the inauguration of major infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 9,000 crore as a “joyful day” for Delhi residents.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Gupta reiterated the government's commitment to cleaning and rejuvenating the Yamuna, highlighting the infrastructure projects inaugurated as part of the ongoing efforts.
"Today is a joyful day for the people of Delhi, as projects worth around ₹9,000 crores have been inaugurated today. We can say that the way the government has started work for the rejuvenation of the River Yamuna, in one and a half years of tenure, we have continuously moved forward strongly in that direction."
"In just a few years, the Yamuna should be clean, flowing uninterrupted; we should be able to give this gift to the residents of Delhi; we stand by our resolve, and we are working day and night to fulfil it."
Delhi infrastructure projects worth Rs 9,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore
The chief minister said the latest investment followed projects worth Rs 9,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore initiated last year, primarily focusing on Delhi’s infrastructure and the rejuvenation of the Yamuna.
However, the return of thick white foam at Kalindi Kunj highlights the continuing environmental challenges facing the river, even as the government pursues large-scale infrastructure and cleanup initiatives.
(With ANI inputs)