What is the story about?
A thick, choking layer of toxic froth has once again engulfed large stretches of the Yamuna at Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj ghat, turning the river into a near-unrecognisable
expanse of white sludge. An alarm for the deepening ecological crisis gripping the national capital’s lifeline. On Sunday, the froth spread so densely that parts of the river were barely visible. It clung stubbornly to boats moored along the riverbank, coating their sides, while dust particles visibly settled into the foam. Alongside the froth, the riverbank itself told a grim story. Plastic waste, discarded bottles, flowers, chopped human hair and even used blades lay scattered, pointing to unchecked dumping and neglect.
Environmentalists working on the ground say the situation has worsened sharply in recent months. Pankaj Kumar, who leads a cleanliness drive every Sunday at the Kalindi Kunj ghat, said pollution levels in December and January have been significantly higher than before last year’s Chhath festival.
“During the Chhath festival, there was a strong collective effort to clean the Yamuna river; had the government sustained that momentum, the condition of the river would’ve vastly improved in months,” Kumar told PTI.
What Numbers tell About Yamuna's Pollution
Official data paints an even more disturbing picture. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s latest report, based on samples collected on December 3, 2025, shows Biological Oxygen Demand levels far exceeding safe limits. BOD levels stood at 25 mg per litre at ITO Bridge, 24 mg per litre at ISBT Bridge and 17 mg per litre at Okhla Barrage, against a prescribed safe limit of just 3 mg per litre. The Central Pollution Control Board categorises BOD levels between 20 and 30 mg per litre as “severe,” indicating water incapable of sustaining healthy aquatic life.
Equally alarming are fecal coliform levels, a key indicator of sewage contamination. These were recorded at 92,000 MPN at ISBT Bridge, 54,000 at Nizamuddin Bridge and 35,000 at ITO Bridge. The desirable limit is 500 units per 100 ml, with a permissible limit of 2,500.
The National Green Tribunal has already flagged untreated and partially treated sewage discharged through multiple drains as the primary cause of pollution, particularly between Wazirabad Barrage and Asgharpur village.
Also Read | Delhi Govt's 'Permanent Solution' For Waterlogging: Deep Inside 'Drainage Master Plan' - See Why, When And How
Health risks are mounting for both residents and volunteers. Atul Kumar of the Earth Warriors group said the toxic froth emits a strong stench and poses serious hazards to those cleaning the ghats every week.
“Public awareness about river pollution is low, and government measures are insufficient. Although official documents set out restrictions and penalties for dumping waste into the river, these are rarely visible on-site, and most citizens do not check them online,” Kumar told PTI.
Another volunteer, Vishwas Dwivedi, warned of long-term ecological damage. “The froth blanket prevents natural sunlight from reaching the riverbed, resulting in degraded water quality. There are aquatic plants that act as natural filters, absorbing phosphates and sulphates and creating healthier aquatic environments,” he said. “If these plants do not receive sunlight, they will die and, in turn, contribute to further contamination of the water.”
