Urgent Alert: Yamuna’s Toxic Foam Returns Amid Delhi’s Dual Pollution Battle – A City in Peril
Toxic foam has reappeared on the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj, highlighting a serious decline in Delhi’s water quality as the city also contends with hazardous air pollution. Weekend cleanup leader Dinesh Kumar remarked on the toxic nature of the foam, attributing the water’s poor quality to untreated sewage discharge into the river.
The air quality index surged to 385, categorizing it as ‘very poor,’ with thick smog enveloping significant areas like Anand Vihar and the Akshardham Temple. Resident Saif pointed out the seasonal breathing difficulties experienced in October through December. Though he acknowledged governmental efforts to address pollution, Saif emphasized the need for timely action to prevent future problems.
A noteworthy concern is the non-operational status of the Connaught Place smog tower, previously effective in maintaining cleaner air. Auto driver Sanjay Ahuja lamented its inactivity amidst the escalating pollution, describing the difficulty in breathing.
Health impacts are becoming more pronounced, with Dr. Rajesh Chawla of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital reporting a 10-15% rise in respiratory cases. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management has implemented Stage-II of the Graded Response Action Plan. The Public Works Department now conducts daily water sprinkling on key roads to limit dust pollution.
The environmental crisis has sparked political debate, with BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticizing the AAP government. Bhandari accused Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of failing to mitigate Delhi’s pollution, arguing that Kejriwal deflects responsibility onto Uttar Pradesh and Haryana instead of addressing emissions from Punjab, where his party also governs.
An Indraprastha Apollo Hospital consultant cautioned that pollution levels are escalating more rapidly than in past years, with a significant rise in respiratory ailments reported.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/video/yamunas-toxic-foam-returns-as-delhi-battles-dual-pollution-crisis-1109368-2024-10-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-10-22 11:15:00
