As videos of Chhath Puja devotees make rounds on the Internet, the space is once again abuzz about the toxic froth that plagues the Yamuna River. Videos of devotees offering ‘Araghya’ to the rising sun as piles of froth surround them like some form of post-apocalyptic icebergs. The visuals are chilling, to say the least. Take a look at these pictures and videos of devotees bathing in the toxic Yamuna froth.
Chhath Puja Devotees Perform Araghya Amid Toxic Yamuna Froth
#WATCH | Delhi: Devotees offer prayers at Kalindi Kunj Ghat as part of #ChhathPooja https://t.co/cxVGC69hlL pic.twitter.com/Omlgp6X0OI
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2023
Many people are sharing pictures and videos of Chhath puja that many are celebrating in the National Capital of the country. Take a look at the pictures below shared on Instagram by the professional photographer Nikhil Mali on his handle @thekitlensguy.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Yamuna is a tributary river of the Ganga River and is the second largest in the country. The river is considered holy by most Hindus as it is seen as the manifestation of Goddess Yamuna. She is the sister of the god of death, Yama and the daughter of the sun god, Surya.
Polution in Indian Capital Delhi’s #Yamuna River.
As #ChhathPuja starts with Nahay Khay, the Yamuna river scene is marred by persistent froth and foam pollution issues.#DelhiPollution#DelhiAirPollution#YamunaRiver#YamunaFoam#Pollution#AQI#RiverPollution#SAvsAUS#wtfock pic.twitter.com/qEBIyygqBt
— know the Unknown (@imurpartha) November 17, 2023
The government of Delhi has time and again made promises to clean the river but so far, has failed to successfully do so. Part of the blame is attributed to the UP government as they believe that pollutants from UP end up accumulating in Yamuna in Delhi.
“#ToxicFoam coats #sacredriver near #NewDelhi as #Indian capital battles #hazardous #pollution…white froth, a mixture of #sewage and #industrial #waste, has formed over sections of the #Yamuna #River – a tributary of the holy #GangesRiver” #health #Smog https://t.co/CzMqEOwMbG pic.twitter.com/61jlCqPuiU
— Catherine Hughes (@Cmh176Hughes) November 9, 2023
Chhath Puja is celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar as well as Uttar Pradesh and parts of Jharkhand. It is celebrated for four consecutive days with each day having its own unique significance.
Pathetic condition..year after year same cycle repeats
Winters are gas chamber for Delhi and places around
Yamuna is nothing but soap and frothWhat a failure central and respective State/UT govts are https://t.co/Fco8Svia9B
— Swati (@Swatiyz) November 4, 2023
Also Read: Chhath Puja 2023: What Is Its Significance? Who Is Chhath Maiya? Rituals, Timings, And More Inside
What Causes The Froth And Why Is It Toxic?
This visual from @ANI sums up the state of environment in the national capital – a thick toxic haze in the sky and toxic foam/froth floating over River Yamuna, all at once. And we are TOLD not to blame the GOVERNMENT. And life goes on. Wake up citizens. pic.twitter.com/IvE9rLsz22
— Vimlendu Jha विमलेंदु झा (@vimlendu) November 6, 2023
According to an article published by the Hindustan Times, froth is caused in the water when organic matter is decomposed. Tonnes of sewage and industrial waste as well as domestic effluents are responsible for the froth.
🌞Celebrating Chhath Puja: Devotees gather along polluted Yamuna river, undeterred by smog and toxic froth. Join @Pics4Humanity contestant Abhay Patel in highlighting the #climatecrisis as the #humanrights crisis it is. Enter the contest: [https://t.co/OzAdDNOJBm] 📸#RHRNClimate pic.twitter.com/OYEH32UZdC
— RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW CLIMATE (@rhrn_climate) July 14, 2023
It is well known that the froth is not harmless. Short-term contact with the froth can result in allergies as well as skin irritation. Since many people also take a dip in the water, there is also the threat that the water will be ingested.
#Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj #Delhi .
Beautiful poisonous pink water froth with chemicals, quota IITian CM #ArvindKejriwal promised clean Yamuna in 2017 and did nothing other than advertising, factories still dump chemical waste in Yamuna as they pay protection to #AAP. pic.twitter.com/7m9TdhB99p
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) June 19, 2023
If ingested, the water can cause diseases like typhoid and other gastrointestinal problems. Raghav Chadha, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, stated that UP and Haryana release untreated waste into the water which is ultimately responsible for the toxic froth
Sanātana Dharma
Women praying to their favorite gods for husbands’ long life
🙈🙉🙊
By standing amidst hazardous air and foam covering the polluted Yamuna river on a smoggy morning pic.twitter.com/zgC6iwzLfI— 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒚𝒂🛡 (@catale7a) November 21, 2023
Pictures and videos of the froth on social media have gone viral and are quite scary, to say the least. It is hoped that the authorities will take heed of the situation and will soon help clear the river of the pollutants.
View this post on Instagram
Also Read: UP Fishermen Ate Dolphin After Accidentally Catching It From Yamuna, Case Registered, One Arrested
Have you ever witnessed this toxic Yamuna froth in real life? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @thekitlensguy/Instagram
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
Good news! We are on WhatsApp! Subscribe to Curly Tales WhatsApp Channel to stay up-to-date with exclusive content and BTS. Join HERE.
First Published: November 21, 2023 1:17 PM