Delhi: Yamuna Froths Once Again With Toxins Amid Poor AQI In National Capital | WATCH

In a double blow for the nation's capital, the average air quality index (AQI) remained in the poor category at 293 on Friday, and severe frothing was reported in the Yamuna River, with parts of the waterway covered in white foam.

The foul-smelling foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing significant health risks, including respiratory and skin issues, environmental experts told news agency PTI.

Photo Credit: PTI

They described the pollution levels in the river as alarming and called on the government to address the issue urgently, especially with major festivals like Chhath Puja approaching.

"This type of foam is commonly seen when fats from decaying vegetation and pollutants mix with the water, but its presence during the monsoon is unusual," an expert was quoted as saying by the agency, attributing the frothing to the lack of flood spells that usually wash away pollutants.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed that, as of 9 am on Friday, the AQI was in the 'very poor' category (between 301 and 400) in several parts of Delhi.

In north Delhi's Wazirpur, the AQI stood at 379, while in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar, it was recorded at 327. The figure was 337 in central Delhi's Shadipur and 312 in west Delhi's Punjabi Bagh.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, stated that different local sources of pollution had been identified at 13 hotspots in the capital and 80 anti-smog guns would be deployed to control dust. Each hotspot, he said, would have a coordination committee to act against local pollution sources.

The political blame game also continued, with North East Delhi MP and BJP leader Manoj Tiwari accusing the AAP government of failing to address pollution.

"Arvind Kejriwal has been the chief minister for 10 years and Atishi has been in the position for a month. They have no intention of tackling pollution or letting the people of Delhi breathe. Pollution is becoming fatal again-from the air to the river-and this is only the beginning," he said.

Responding to the criticism, Rai remarked, "We are doing everything to reduce pollution. It is the Arvind Kejriwal government that ensured 24-hour electricity supply, reducing the smoke from generators. The BJP is a party that spreads pollution, while our party reduces it."