Delhi: Thick toxic foam floats in Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj

New Delhi [India], October 26 (ANI): Thick, toxic foam was once again observed floating on the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj on Saturday as pollution levels in the river remain alarmingly high in the national capital.

However, the air quality in Delhi on Saturday recorded a slight improvement than what it was a day ago with Air Quality Index (AQI) at 237 which still is in ‘ Poor’, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

The AQI recorded on Friday was 283.

Earlier today in response to the BJP’s protest against water pollution in the Yamuna River, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satyendra Jain stated that the industrial waste polluting the river does not come from Delhi, as there are “no water-polluting industries” in the national capital.

Jain, who was released from jail this month after getting bail in a money laundering case, emphasised that the waste in the Yamuna River originates from neighbouring states, specifically Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

“The industrial waste that flows into the Yamuna doesn’t originate in Delhi, as there are no water-polluting industries in Delhi itself. This waste flows through the Badshahpur drain into the Najafgarh drain, coming from the Gurgaon side. In Sonipat, industrial waste flows into the Yamuna from the Narela side. The industrial waste in the Shahdara drain originates from Uttar Pradesh,” he said.

He also pointed out that there is a barrage near Kalindi Kunj managed by UP Jal Nigam, which has 12 gates. “If all these gates were opened, foam wouldn’t accumulate, but they usually open only 2-3 gates,” Jain added.

On October 24, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva protested against the AAP-led Delhi government by taking a dip in the Yamuna River. He criticised the rising pollution in the river and the city. Speaking to ANI, Sachdeva said, “We have set up a red carpet for ‘shahi’ (royal) people. We have also arranged two chairs, as this tradition was initiated by Atishi herself.”

He continued, “We have arranged a red carpet as people who used to live in ‘Sheesh Mahal’ are accustomed to the red carpet. We have arranged two chairs as this tradition was initiated by Atishi herself, so if she comes, she will need two chairs. And if Arvind Kejriwal comes, we will be happy. Although he is on bail, he was the chief minister of Delhi. We will wait for some more time if they come.”

On October 22, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena shared images of the toxic foam on X and urged authorities to prioritise relief for residents instead of making “excuses.