Pink Froth In Yamuna Signals Rising Chemical Pollution
Why in the News ?
A section of the Yamuna River near the Okhla barrage in Delhi has recently been covered with pink-coloured froth, raising concerns among environmental experts about untreated industrial effluents and sewage pollution entering the river.
Emergence of Pink Froth in the Yamuna:
- The Kalindi Kunj–Okhla barrage stretch of the Yamuna in southeast Delhi has been observed with pink-coloured floating froth resembling iceberg-like formations.
- Environmental experts believe the unusual colour indicates chemical contamination from untreated industrial dyes and wastewater entering the river.
- The phenomenon has persisted for several days, triggering alarm among environmental activists and pollution control authorities.
- According to activists, the froth consists of chemical foam containing dyes, phosphates, detergents, surfactants, and toxic pollutants.
- The incident highlights continuing environmental degradation of the Yamuna, despite repeated government initiatives to clean the river.
Causes of Froth Formation and Pollution Sources
- Froth formation in rivers typically occurs when surfactants from detergents and chemicals mix with polluted water and air, creating stable bubbles.
- The fall of water at the Okhla barrage increases churning, which intensifies the formation of foam on the river surface.
- Lower winter temperatures make the foam more stable and visible, worsening the situation.
- Potential pollution sources include untreated industrial effluents from dyeing and textile units, domestic sewage, dhobi ghats, and decomposing organic matter.
- Studies have identified pollution hotspots in drains such as Shahdara drain, Ganesh Nagar drain, and other wastewater channels discharging untreated effluents into the Yamuna.
About Yamuna River Pollution in Delhi:● The Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganga, flows through Delhi for about 22 km, but this short stretch receives over 70% of the river’s pollution load. ● Major causes of pollution include untreated sewage, industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and solid waste dumping. ● Several initiatives have been launched to restore the river, including the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) implemented with assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). ● Agencies such as the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) are responsible for monitoring and managing pollution control measures. ● Persistent pollution threatens aquatic biodiversity, public health, and the sustainability of water resources in the National Capital Region. |