Devotees celebrate chhath puja amidst toxic foam in Yamuna, political blame game ensues

1. Conclusion of the four-day Chhath Puja marked by devotees offering morning 'Araghya' across the country
2. Toxic foam in the Yamuna during Chhath Puja rituals sparks health concerns and political blame game
3. Despite promises, the AAP government's efforts to address Yamuna pollution face criticism

Chhath Puja, a four-day festival celebrated with enthusiasm in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bengal, marked its conclusion on Monday. Devotees gathered on the riverbanks in various parts of the country, including Patna, Ranchi, Varanasi, and Delhi, to worship the rising sun. However, in Delhi, visuals surfaced showing devotees standing in knee-deep toxic foam in the Yamuna River at Kalindi Kunj during the morning rituals.

The toxic foam, attributed to the high phosphate content in the Yamuna, raised health concerns and sparked a political blame game between the BJP and AAP. Despite promises made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to address the pollution in the Yamuna, the situation remains unchanged. As Chhath Puja concluded, devotees across the country immersed in worship, offering 'Araghya,' and breaking their 36-hour fast on Monday morning.

The festival, celebrated with great fervor in Bihar's capital, Patna, saw devotees gathering on the banks of the Ganga river at Digha Ganga Ghat. However, in Delhi, the celebration was marred by the presence of knee-deep toxic foam in the Yamuna River, causing skin and respiratory problems due to high phosphate levels. The ongoing pollution crisis in the Yamuna triggered a political blame game between the BJP and AAP, with the AAP minister Atishi assuring efforts to clear the toxic foam through the sprinkling of food-grade chemicals and enzymes. Despite assurances, the Yamuna's polluted state remains a significant concern.

Devotees takes holy dip in polluted Yamuna river in Delhi during Chhath puja. #ChhathPooja2023 pic.twitter.com/44imVbYqhp

— Vijay Pandey (@pandeyvij9) November 20, 2023