A recent video showcasing two women performing Chhath Puja rituals at the Yamuna River in Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj Ghat has stirred public concern and debate. The footage, which went viral on social media, captured a troubling scene: the river’s surface covered in foam. This unusual sight led to a flurry of comments and sarcasm, with many questioning if the foam was a deliberate special effect to enhance the festival’s atmosphere. However, the reality behind this foam points to a more alarming environmental concern.
#WATCH दिल्ली: छठ पूजा के अवसर पर छठ व्रतियों ने कालिंदी कुंज घाट पर पूजा की।#ChhathPooja pic.twitter.com/DcPRp9TYyG
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) November 20, 2023
Netizens’ Reaction: Sarcasm and Concern
The video triggered a wave of reactions on social media. One comment sarcastically praised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), suggesting they had added a “special foam effect” for bathers in the Yamuna, playing into the narrative of the river’s pollution under their governance. Another response highlighted the distressing pollution levels, describing the river’s condition as “pathetic.” These comments reflect a mix of satire and genuine concern among citizens about the state of one of India’s significant rivers.
So wonderful. #AAP has made sure that you enjoy special foam effect when you bathe in Yamunaji. Delhites should vote AAP even more to ensure filmi “fog” and romantic “foams” 😏 https://t.co/LJgNzYu84o
— Ratan Sharda 🇮🇳 रतन शारदा (@RatanSharda55) November 20, 2023
Aasman Jameen ke Utar Aya!
Thanks @ArvindKejriwal for providing such a wonderful cloudy view and perfect ambience for #Chaat devotees. #DelhiPollution https://t.co/rPAL03w0Q1
— Ravi Khandelwal (@khandelwals1) November 20, 2023
They do deliberately to make fun of us? What is puja with industrial foam around them? Is it even safe ? https://t.co/3qTMZYncct
— Adarsh gult (@curryputtar) November 20, 2023
The Toxicity of the Foam and Chhath Puja Celebrations
In the days leading up to the Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival celebrated on November 17, the presence of toxic foam on the Yamuna was already making headlines. During the festival, women were observed offering prayers and performing rituals in the river, despite the foam-laden water. This sight underscored the festival’s deep cultural significance, but also the disturbing reality of river pollution.
Just look at the pollution in the river. It’s such a pathetic situation 😔 https://t.co/wvwcQprQpF
— Shamit Manchanda (@shamit) November 20, 2023
Government Response and Measures
In response to the public outcry, the AAP-led Delhi government promised to take action to clean the river. Reports indicated the use of food-grade chemicals and enzymes to detoxify the water. Officials sought to reassure the public, claiming the foam was not harmful and attributing its presence to high phosphate levels. These statements, however, have done little to quell the concerns about the long-term health of the Yamuna and its impact on the people who rely on it.
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Conclusion: A Call for Action
The incident at Kalindi Kunj Ghat during Chhath Puja is a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing India’s rivers. It highlights the need for effective and sustainable measures to address river pollution, not just in Delhi but across the country. The public’s reaction, a mix of sarcasm and concern, reflects a growing awareness and urgency regarding environmental issues. As we move forward, it is imperative that both the government and citizens collaborate to find lasting solutions to preserve these vital waterways for future generations.
