Now Reading: Toxic Yamuna foam returns as Delhi AQI hits 168
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Toxic Yamuna foam returns as Delhi AQI hits 168
The Story in Brief
Thick white foam has resurfaced on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj even as Delhi-NCR’s overall Air Quality Index reached 168 on Sunday, 25 October, indicating unhealthy air. PM2.5 and PM10 remained the primary pollutants, with readings varying between 110 at PGDAV College in Sriniwaspuri and above 180 at other stations.
The Commission for Air Quality Management had invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan on 21 October, banning coal and firewood use in tandoors at hotels and restaurants and restricting diesel generators to essential services.
The foam reappeared days after chief minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated infrastructure projects worth around Rs 9,000 crore and described the day as joyful for Delhi residents. She reiterated the government's commitment to cleaning the Yamuna within a few years, following projects worth Rs 9,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore initiated in 2025.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The return of toxic foam undercuts the chief minister's claim of steady progress on Yamuna rejuvenation. Gupta herself linked the Rs 9,000 crore infrastructure push to a cleaner river, but the visuals from Kalindi Kunj show no visible improvement. Neither the CAQM nor the Delhi government has explained why the foam persists despite large spending. The AQI of 168, though within GRAP-1 range, is close to the threshold for Stage 2 curbs. The next trigger, an AQI of 201, would bring stricter measures, including a ban on diesel light goods vehicles.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
