Townhall Times — Know how dangerous Yamuna’s polluted water can be for your health, and how the Delhi government is playing with people’s lives for political gains. If you are bathing in the Yamuna during Chhath Puja or using its water for any religious ritual, you need to be very careful. Experts and doctors warn that the water of the Yamuna has become so filthy and toxic that coming into contact with it can seriously harm your health. The water contains surfactants and heavy metals that can cause severe skin problems like itching, rashes, burning, and allergies. Bacteria like E. coli and viruses present in the river can spread diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis. The toxic gases released from the foam, including ammonia, can cause breathing difficulties and can be extremely dangerous for asthma patients. Continuous exposure to this water can lead to the accumulation of harmful metals like lead and cadmium in the body, which can cause cancer, kidney damage, and liver diseases. If this water is accidentally consumed, it can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and serious stomach infections.
The main reason behind the formation of foam in the Yamuna is the discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater containing soap and detergents. When these chemicals come into contact with air and water, they form thick layers of froth. During winter, the water flow decreases, making the froth even denser. Around 18 drains in Delhi release untreated sewage and industrial waste directly into the Yamuna. This waste contains phosphates, nitrates, and heavy metals. Additionally, the reaction between organic matter and chemicals in the water further thickens the froth and increases the pollution level.
To make the situation look better, the Delhi Jal Board has started using anti-foaming agents made of silicon dioxide and polyoxypropylene to reduce the foam. But according to experts, this is only a temporary and superficial measure. These agents merely suppress the foam’s appearance; they do not clean the water or reduce the pollution. It’s just a cosmetic exercise done to show that the government is working, especially during festivals, while the real issue remains untouched. Doctors and environmental experts have clearly stated that this water is absolutely unsafe for bathing or for any religious use. The truth is that the government is deceiving people with these showpiece actions instead of addressing the root cause of pollution.
However, this crisis is not only the government’s fault; common people are equally responsible. Many of us still dump garbage, plastic, and soapy water into drains that directly fall into the river. This untreated wastewater goes straight into the Yamuna without any cleaning process. Until strict action is taken against such practices and all drains are linked to proper treatment plants, the dream of cleaning the Yamuna will remain just a dream. The government must stop focusing on removing foam and instead act on the actual causes of pollution. It should ensure that all drains are connected to sewage treatment plants, keep strict watch over industrial waste, and increase the flow of clean water in the river.
At the same time, citizens must also take responsibility. If we are using river water for religious or cultural purposes, we should use clean, filtered, or boiled water instead of directly taking it from the river. The Yamuna is not just a river—it is a symbol of our culture, faith, and heritage. Saving it is our shared duty. Photo opportunities and publicity campaigns will not bring any change; what is needed are honest and long-term efforts to restore the Yamuna to its pure and life-giving form, the way it once was.
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