Cong slams AAP over Yamuna foam, claims Rs 6,500 cr spent with no results

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav launched a scathing attack on AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, accusing his government of misappropriating over Rs 6,500 crore of taxpayers’ money intended for sewage treatment by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB). Yadav claims that despite this spending, the Yamuna has become increasingly polluted.

Addressing a press conference after inspecting the Yamuna at the Kalindi Kunj ghat on Monday, Yadav remarked, “The waters of the Yamuna have only grown more toxic, with money supposedly spent on treatment going down the drain without any impact.” He highlighted the imminent Chhath Puja on November 7, where many devotees, especially women, would be forced to enter the polluted waters, risking their health.

Yadav challenged Kejriwal to fulfil his promise of taking a dip in the Yamuna by 2025. “If he has courage, he should plunge into the Yamuna,” he said. “But let’s be honest; if he does, he will likely fall ill and have the means to get expensive treatment in Bengaluru, unlike poor devotees who would face serious health risks,” he added.

During the boat ride, Yadav and other senior Congress leaders, including former MP Parvez Hashmi and MCD leader Nazia Danish, said they were shocked to see frothy, ammonia-laden water, which they claimed poses serious health risks, including respiratory and skin issues. “The pungent foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, and yet the AAP government seems least bothered about public health,” Yadav stated.

He further criticised Kejriwal’s tendency to blame neighbouring states and the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) for the pollution crisis. Referring to CM Atishi’s recent threats to approach the Supreme Court against Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for the Yamuna pollution, he questioned, “Why hasn’t the AAP government taken this step in the past 11 years?”