Toxic Yamuna water sparks political debate ahead of Chhath

Political tensions rise over Yamuna’s toxic pollution, raising health concerns for devotees in Delhi.

- TIKAM SHARMA

As the Chhath festival approaches, political debate in Delhi is increasingly centred on the issue of toxic water in the Yamuna River.

The Yamuna, a primary site for the festival's rituals in the capital, has been plagued by pollution, with water quality declining due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, and severe toxic foaming.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)led Delhi government has highlighted its efforts to reduce pollution in Yamuna through cleaning initiatives and upgrades to sewage treatment facilities. However, political opponents argue that these actions are inadequate and have not effectively tackled the ongoing pollution in the river, especially during a festival that attracts thousands of participants.

Chhath is an important festival for North Indians, particularly for Purvanchalis, those from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The festival involves offering prayers to the Sun God by standing in water bodies, making the state of the Yamuna River a critical concern for devotees in Delhi.

The issue of toxic water in the Yamuna River has now become a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties challenging the Delhi government's efforts to clean the river and provide safe water for worshippers during Chhath.