Yamuna toxic foam poses health hazards

Froth containing high levels of ammonia and phosphates forms when fats from decaying plants and pollutants mix with water

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THE Yamuna river in Delhi was covered with a thick layer of white froth on Friday, raising concerns about potential health hazards as the festive season approaches.

Experts have warned that the froth could pose serious risks to people's health. The frothy layer, which resembled clouds floating over the river, gradually dissipated as the day progressed.

Bhim Singh Rawat, Associate Coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers & People (SANDRP), commented on the unusual circumstances this year. "Normally, the upper segment of the Yamuna experiences significant flood spells, but this year, there have been none during the just-concluded southwest monsoon of 2024. This is unusual, as the river generally witnesses at least a couple of low or medium flood spells in this segment every year," he said.