Toxic Pollution in Yamuna River Threatens New Delhi Residents Health

In India, the pollution of the Yamuna River, one of the country's holiest rivers, poses a serious health risk to residents in New Delhi. The river has been heavily contaminated due to industrial discharges, causing it to be covered with toxic foam. This situation has worsened air quality, with the air-quality index reaching a 'very poor' level of 273, well above World Health Organization guidelines. The tiny PM 2.5 particles present can severely affect respiratory health. Despite the dangerous conditions, many Hindu devotees continue their religious practices at the Yamuna, with some claiming the water is cleaner beneath the foam. This persistence raises concerns about public health, especially with an upcoming festival, Chhath Puja, during which many people flock to the river for religious rituals. Efforts by local authorities, including the use of defoamers, have so far failed to effectively address the pollution. The pollution crisis has developed over the years, driven by inadequate enforcement of environmental laws and a lack of proper sewage management, despite attempts to install treatment plants. The Supreme Court of India has recently criticized northern states for their poor management of crop residue burning, which further exacerbates the air quality issues in the region. The continuous pollution of both land and waterways contributes to the deteriorating health conditions for the large population of New Delhi, home to over 20 million residents. The advance of winter amplifies health problems, making it critical for authorities to take stronger measures to combat pollution. The situation calls for a collective action to restore the Yamuna and improve air quality before it escalates further, impacting even more lives.