Toxic foam has flooded Delhi-NCR’s Yamuna river ahead of Chhath Puja, a festival that will be celebrated from November 6 to 8 in India.

The foam has sparked concerns over rising pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. Since foam is indicative of serious pollution, authorities have deployed chemical defoamers to mitigate the problem.

Footage was shared by news agency ANI on Sunday (November 3), in which toxic foam was seen floating on the Yamuna river in Kalindi Kunj, where pollution levels remained very high.

BJP criticizes AAP for city pollution

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla slammed the Delhi government and blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the growing pollution of the Yamuna river.

“The day after Diwali, while we are here at Yamuna ghat, we can see a thick layer of foam on the river. This froth is a direct consequence of the corruption perpetrated by Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party. Now, before Chhath Puja, they just sprinkle chemical defoamers,” said Poonawalla.

“Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for turning Delhi into a gas chamber; we now have to wear masks. They blame Uttar Pradesh but ignore the stubble burning problems in Punjab. They have failed to address the root causes of pollution in Delhi,” he added.

According to water department officials, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) teams have started spraying anti-moss solutions near Okhla.

According to DJB officials, nearly 12-15 tonnes of a diluted anti-foam agent will be sprayed and this will continue up to Chhath.

Watch: Delhi air pollution: Residents defy firecracker ban

Meanwhile, parts of Delhi will be enveloped by a thick layer of smog and air quality will remain “very poor”.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality index (AQI) of the national capital was measured at 369 at 9 am on Saturday (November 2).

(With contribution from agencies)