Toxic foam returns to Yamuna in Delhi despite ₹8,941-crore cleanup push

Toxic foam has reappeared on the Yamuna River in Delhi, with a thick layer visible at Kalindi Kunj on Sunday morning, days after the government announced projects worth nearly ₹9,000 crore aimed at cleaning the river and upgrading water infrastructure.

Visuals from Kalindi Kunj showed foam spread across the river's surface. Similar scenes were reported at the same location on October 23 and 24, bringing the condition of the Yamuna back into focus as the government pushes ahead with its river rejuvenation plans.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 43 Delhi Jal Board (DJB) projects with a combined value of ₹8,941 crore. The initiatives cover wastewater treatment and drinking water infrastructure, with the cleaning of the Yamuna among their stated objectives.

Shah described the projects as a key part of efforts to restore the river. He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had convened a meeting with the Delhi government and the Ministry of Home Affairs within the first month of the government's formation to set out a plan for the Yamuna's cleanup.

Shah claimed that more than 40 per cent of the journey towards the target had already been covered.

Rekha Gupta vows to clean the river

The latest appearance of foam comes amid Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's assurances that her government is working towards the Yamuna's rejuvenation.

Speaking after the project inaugurations, Gupta described the occasion as a milestone for Delhi and said her government had continued to advance its cleanup efforts during its first one and a half years in office.

She said the latest investment followed another ₹9,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore worth of projects initiated the previous year, with funds directed towards infrastructure development and the Yamuna's rejuvenation.

Gupta said her government remained committed to making the river clean and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of water.

The recurring foam at Kalindi Kunj, however, puts the spotlight on the condition of the river as these projects move forward.

With ANI inputs