Permanent solution needed for foam: DJB

Toxic foam continues to cover the Yamuna's surface, especially around the Okhla barrage, and officials from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) - which undertook an exercise to sprinkle an anti-foaming agent in the river ahead of the Chhath festival - are now advocating for permanent installations at the site to tackle the froth.

- Paras Singh

The toxic foam - an annual phenomenon in the Yamuna during winters - are caused by soap-like surfactant molecules, which are indicators of high levels of untreated sewage and industrial pollutants in the river's water.

A senior DJB official said that the water on October 21 began a 15-day drive to spray a silicone dioxide-based anti-foaming solution to reduce frothing in the Yamuna. However, he said, the intervention should be turned into a permanent installation which will save money and also be more effective.