Toxic Foam and Hazardous Smog Choke Sacred River and City”
Toxic Foam and Hazardous Smog Choke -Introduction:
New Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is currently grappling with a severe environmental crisis as a thick layer of toxic foam blankets parts of the sacred Yamuna River. This hazardous phenomenon, a concoction of sewage and industrial waste, adds to the already acrid and noxious smog engulfing the city. The toxic foam, containing high levels of ammonia and phosphates, poses serious health risks, exacerbating the respiratory and skin problems caused by the alarming levels of pollution that have swept across the city. This article explores the multifaceted challenges posed by the toxic foam in the Yamuna River and the broader issue of air pollution in New Delhi.
The Yamuna River’s Plight:
The Yamuna River, a tributary of the holy Ganges River, meanders approximately 855 miles from the Himalayas through various states. However, it faces severe pollution issues, with a thick layer of toxic foam frequently covering its surface. The foam is a result of the discharge of toxic chemicals and untreated sewage into the river, particularly in the areas surrounding Delhi. Despite being a sacred river for many, the Yamuna is heavily polluted, with dark, sludgy water and plastic waste lining its banks. Delhi, though responsible for only 2% of the river’s length, contributes a staggering 76% of the total pollution, as reported by a government monitoring committee.
Health Implications and Public Usage:
Experts warn that the toxic foam poses significant health risks, containing harmful levels of ammonia and phosphates. The foam is a regular sight on the Yamuna, yet villagers downstream continue to use the water for bathing and even drinking. This highlights the critical need for awareness and intervention to safeguard the health of those relying on the river for their daily needs. The hazardous conditions have not deterred Hindu devotees from performing rituals in the river, even during festivals like Chhath Puja. Devotees can be seen wading through the dense foam to bathe and pray, demonstrating the deeply entrenched cultural significance of the river despite its polluted state.
Smog and Air Quality Crisis in New Delhi:
This week, the toxic foam crisis in New Delhi is compounded by a thick blanket of smog, creating a hazardous atmosphere that has prompted widespread concern. The city has consistently ranked as the most polluted in the world, with an alarming air quality index (AQI) of 517 recorded on Thursday, categorizing the air as hazardous. The smog has led to the closure of primary schools and offices, affecting the daily lives of the city’s over 20 million residents. Panicked by the deteriorating air quality, many residents have resorted to purchasing air purifiers and wearing face masks to minimize exposure to the noxious fumes.
Comparative Analysis:
To put New Delhi’s air quality crisis into perspective, Swiss air quality company IQAir reveals that Oslo, the world’s least polluted city, has an AQI of merely three. Even China’s capital, Beijing, which once graced the world’s most polluted list, has significantly improved its air quality in recent years, with a current AQI of 25, considered “good.” Two other Indian cities, Kolkata and Mumbai, also feature on IQAir’s list of the world’s 20 most polluted cities, with AQI numbers of 205 and 102, both categorized as unhealthy.