Delhi Yamuna Cleared Froth Ahead Chhath Festival Devotees Celebrate Safely
Delhi is set to welcome Chhath festival devotees with a cleaner Yamuna River, following a comprehensive inspection of river cleaning measures at Kalindi Kunj. Officials overseeing water quality reported substantial improvements, assuring citizens that no froth formation will disrupt the religious observances. The initiative underscores the city administration’s focus on sustainable urban water management and eco-friendly river conservation.
Authorities from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) conducted extensive water quality tests at Kalindi Kunj, part of the Treatment Plant and Quality Control Wing, and confirmed the river is now safe for public rituals. Experts noted that the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) level in the Yamuna stood at 4.0 milligrams per litre, a key indicator of improved water health and reduced pollution levels.Officials emphasised that recent misinformation about river contamination was unfounded. “No froth will be seen in the Yamuna during Chhath. Citizens can perform rituals with full devotion and confidence in water safety,” a senior official from the DJB stated. The inspection involved reviewing laboratory test results, evaluating river flow, and monitoring cleanup efforts along the Kalindi Kunj stretch, ensuring that water treatment processes are functioning optimally.
The focus on froth reduction reflects Delhi’s broader commitment to sustainable and equitable urban water practices. Urban rivers like the Yamuna have historically been prone to industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and seasonal frothing, which hinder both ecological balance and public usage. By maintaining high water quality during high-demand festivals, authorities aim to balance ecological sustainability with cultural preservation.The Chhath festival, celebrated with devotion on riverbanks, typically sees hundreds of thousands of devotees performing rituals at sunrise and sunset. The city’s preparation, including enhanced water monitoring and sanitation measures, ensures that riverfront spaces remain clean, safe, and accessible. Officials are coordinating with local administration and environmental experts to maintain water quality, minimise human-induced pollution, and manage waste generated during the festival.
Experts highlighted that continuous monitoring, river treatment infrastructure, and awareness campaigns are essential to sustain improvements in river ecosystems. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid littering or using polluting substances along riverbanks to maintain the gains achieved through extensive cleanup and water management operations.This initiative is part of a larger strategy to create eco-friendly, gender-neutral, and sustainable urban environments in Delhi. By integrating rigorous water quality standards, citizen engagement, and festival-specific preparations, the administration is setting benchmarks for managing urban rivers in densely populated cities, providing safe public spaces while promoting environmental responsibility.
