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As we move past Diwali's aftermath, it's disheartening to realize that the people of Delhi are facing not only the consequences of poor air quality but also the harsh truth of a polluted Yamuna river.The concerns about air quality in Delhi after Diwali have become a common story, but it's equally alarming that the contamination of the Yamuna has been accepted as a new normal. In our daily lives, it appears we've not only normalized breathing toxic air but also adjusted to living with a river that was once a symbol of purity and reverence-the Yamuna.
Isn't it astonishing how we adapt to the unusual aspects of our surroundings? Today, let's delve into a reality that has subtly become a norm for the people of Delhi polluted Yamuna River.
It's not that the white foam covering its surface goes unnoticed; it's more like it has become the new normal for Delhiites to witness pollution, be it in the air or water. As the Chhath Puja festivities unfold, it's disheartening to see how families bathe and take selfies in the contaminated water, perhaps unaware of the dangers or maybe making a silent statement against the authorities who've banned the celebration on the riverbanks.
Chhath Puja is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated by worshipping the Sun God and his sister, Chhathi Maiya. Traditionally observed by people in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, the festival involves offering prayers and performing rituals on the banks of rivers, ponds, or other water bodies.
However, the celebration of Chhath Puja on the banks of the Yamuna river in Delhi has been banned since 2020, citing environmental pollution and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Delhi government's order in October 2021 explicitly prohibited public gatherings or celebrations of Chhath Puja at the Yamuna ghats or any other water body in the city. Devotees were encouraged to perform the puja at home or nearby temples.
This ban was met with opposition from two organizations, Chhath Pooja Sangharsh Samiti and Purwanchal Jagriti Manch, who filed a petition in the Delhi High Court. They argued that the order violated their fundamental right to freedom of religion, affecting 30-40 lakh devotees in Delhi. Despite their plea, the dismissed the petition on November 8, 2023, emphasizing the need to prevent further pollution in the already ailing Yamuna river.
One aspect that adds to the Yamuna's environmental troubles is the use of a chemical called "defoamer" by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to reduce the toxic foam on the river's surface. The DJB claims the defoamer is approved by the US FDA and the NMCG, deeming it harmless to both the environment and devotees.
However, BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma accused the DJB of using a harmful chemical that could endanger those taking a dip in the river. He even confronted and threatened a DJB official responsible for spraying the defoamer. In an attempt to prove the water's safety, the DJB official took a bath in the river, further intensifying the controversy.
The environmental impact of Chhath Puja on the Yamuna river in Delhi is undeniably negative and harmful. The river is already severely polluted due to untreated sewage and industrial waste discharge. The foam, created by chemicals from detergents and dyes, is a visible sign of an unhealthy and toxic river. Devotees participating in Chhath Puja expose themselves to various health risks, including skin infections, respiratory problems, and water-borne diseases. The polluted water not only affects aquatic life but also endangers those who rely on the river for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Despite efforts by authorities to prevent public gatherings and celebrations along the Yamuna, many devotees defy the ban and continue to perform Chhath Puja. This defiance is often fueled by religious faith and devotion, highlighting the complexity of balancing cultural traditions with environmental concerns.
The way ahead for the Yamuna river in Delhi demands a collective effort. The river became polluted due to the release of untreated or poorly treated sewage and industrial waste. The visible foam during this low-flow phase indicates a concentrated accumulation of pollutants on the river's surface. It's crucial for both the government and society to work together in restoring the Yamuna to its original glory and beauty. Preserving the sanctity of the river would indeed be a true tribute to the faith and devotion of Chhath Puja devotees.
As we ponder over this environmental dilemma, share your thoughts and experiences. Have you witnessed the Chhath Puja celebrations on the Yamuna river? Do you believe it's time for a collaborative effort to restore this sacred waterway? Your perspective matters in shaping the discourse on the Yamuna's future.
