New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- Delhi's efforts to revive the Yamuna face renewed attention after thick white foam reappeared near Kalindi Kunj, days after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the government's investment in infrastructure and river rejuvenation. The latest visuals have brought the continuing problem of visible river pollution into focus even as the government maintains that work to restore the Yamuna is progressing.
Gupta recently described the inauguration of projects worth around Rs 9,000 crore as a significant milestone for Delhi, reiterating her government's commitment to improving the river's condition. She also referred to infrastructure investments of approximately Rs 9,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore initiated last year, with a focus on urban development and Yamuna rejuvenation.
"Today is a joyful day for the people of Delhi, as projects worth around Rs 9,000 crores have been inaugurated today. We can say that the way the government has started work for the rejuvenation of the River Yamuna, in one and a half years of tenure, we have continuously moved forward strongly in that direction," the chief minister said.
She expressed confidence that the river would become cleaner and flow uninterrupted, describing its revival as a commitment to Delhi's residents.
"In just a few years, the Yamuna should be clean, flowing uninterrupted; we should be able to
give this gift to the residents of Delhi; we stand by our resolve, and we are working day and night to fulfil it," Gupta said.
The return of foam at Kalindi Kunj, however, highlights the environmental concerns that continue to surround the river. The latest visuals showed extensive white froth floating on the water, bringing renewed attention to the challenge of improving the Yamuna's condition.
The appearance of foam alone does not establish the cause or indicate the effectiveness of individual rejuvenation projects. However, it underscores the importance of tracking improvements in water quality alongside the progress of infrastructure work.
Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR is also dealing with deteriorating air quality. The region's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 168, with PM2.5 and PM10 remaining the primary pollutants. Monitoring stations recorded varying readings, including around 110 at PGDAV College in Sriniwaspuri and levels ranging from 118 to above 180 at several other locations.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on October 21. Restrictions include prohibiting coal and firewood use in tandoors at
hotels, restaurants and open-air eateries, while diesel generator use is limited to essential and emergency purposes.
With river pollution and poor air quality remaining concurrent environmental concerns, the focus is on how ongoing interventions translate into measurable improvements for Delhi's residents.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.