Delhi AQI Today: Yamuna River Is Highly Polluted, Can Cause Severe Skin Damage, High Court Warns Ahead of Chhath Puja
Delhi AQI Today: Yamuna River Is Highly Polluted, Can Cause Severe Skin Damage, High Court Warns Ahead of Chhath Puja
Delhi AQI And Chhath Puja: Many devotees gathered at the Yamuna river for ritual bathing, despite thick layers of toxic foam blanketing the water body.
Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : November 7, 2024 1:01 PM IST
Delhi AQI: Chhath Puja Could Be Risky Due to Yamuna's High Pollution Levels
Delhi AQI Today: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to permit Chhath Puja rituals at the Yamuna river bank in Geeta Colony, citing dangerous levels of pollution in the river.
"It will be very harmful to you. The fact is that the river is so polluted that if you dip into it, there is the likelihood that... a person will suffer harm. We can't allow that. The river itself is highly polluted," said a bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, rejecting a plea by Purvanchal Nav Nirman Sansthan, seeking to allow the public to perform Chhath Puja at Geeta Colony Ghats.
"The Yamuna river is highly polluted at this juncture, and if devotees are allowed to perform Chhath Puja on the riverbed, they are likely to fall sick," the bench further added.
Despite these warnings, the third day of Chhath Puja on Thursday saw many devotees gathering at the Yamuna for ritual bathing, even as the river was blanketed with thick layers of toxic foam.
The hazardous foam floating on the Yamuna River is the result of increased ammonia levels and high phosphate content that is caused by the discharge of industrial pollutants including detergents into the river. So, what exactly happens when you are exposed to this toxic water? Let's understand.
Yamuna Turns White, As Polluted Foam Covers The River
Once a vital resource for Delhi, the Yamuna River has sadly become one of the country's most polluted waterways. Recent findings indicate that the water quality has drastically declined, filled with harmful pollutants. Experts have detected toxic substances present in the river, which can result in severe health problems, notably skin damage. With Chhath Puja approaching, the pressing need to confront this pollution crisis is more crucial than ever.
Health Risks Linked to Polluted Water
The pollution in the Yamuna River presents significant health dangers, especially for those who come into direct contact with its water. Experts caution that exposure can lead to:
Serious skin issues, including rashes, infections, and various dermatological problems.
Moreover, those pollutants can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to even graver health concerns.
This risk is particularly heightened for participants in Chhath Puja, who immerse themselves in the river as part of their traditions.
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