Yamuna’s Toxic Froth: Politics Rage, But What Does Science Say About Delhi’s Lifeline?

This special report focuses on the pollution crisis in Delhi’s Yamuna river, featuring an in-depth discussion with Dr. Nupur Bahadur, Director at TERI. Amid the political blame game between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, especially during the Chhath Puja season, the report unpacks the science behind the river’s toxic froth. Dr. Bahadur states, ‘cleanliness is a regular phenomena. It has to be a sustainable effort.’ The analysis identifies the primary causes of pollution, including untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and biosurfactants from water hyacinth. The report also highlights recent government actions, such as the removal of water hyacinth and the trapping of drains, which have led to a significant reduction in fecal coliform levels and visible improvements in water quality, offering a glimmer of hope for the river’s rejuvenation.