Every winter, the river Yamuna foam in Delhi has foam accumulating at the Okhla Barrage, and that happens due to the chemicals, not naturally occurring elements.
The Reason for the Yamuna Foam?
The Indian government informed the Parliament that the surfactants present in detergents, which originate from effluents that are untreated or half-treated, create the foam and that the water passes through the barrage making it froth. Experts have pointed out the presence of ammonia, phosphates, heavy metals, and pathogens present in the foam.
What Happens in Winter?
The cold weather and low flow of the river adds to the problem. The stretch of the river from Wazirabad to Okhla, which is only two percent of the river, accounts for more than eighty percent of the pollution load.
Is There a Solution?
Every year, the authorities apply anti-foam chemicals, which is only a temporary solution. Permanent changes are possible only through sewage treatment, as in East Kolkata Wetlands, and cleaning the rivers.
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