Delhi pollution crisis: Yamuna froth and hazy skies plague Delhi

The Yamuna in Delhi was seen covered with a thick layer of white froth on Friday, with experts saying this poses health hazards for people, especially as the festive season approaches.

Videos circulating on social media show vast sections of the river frothing, resembling clouds over the water, which gradually dissipated later in the day.

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the city government is closely monitoring the situation.

While the river has some natural cleansing ability, the pollution levels are alarming, Rawat said, adding that the white froth that was seen during monsoon this year becomes more noticeable during festival times.

The AAP said government engineers have been assigned to oversee the operations at the Okhla and Agra Canal barrages. "Monitoring the timings of the barrage gates' opening and providing regular updates to higher authorities," it said.

The engineers have been tasked with uploading photos of the Yamuna downstream at Kalindi Kunj every two hours to ensure continuous observation, it added.

Experts have urged the government to address the pollution levels in the river, especially as major festivals like Chhath Puja are approaching.

The pungent foam contains high levels of ammonia and phosphates, posing serious health risks, including respiratory and skin problems, according to environmental experts.

Hazy morning in Delhi, air quality poor

Meanwhile, Delhiites woke up to a hazy morning on Saturday as a layer of smog enveloped the city and the air quality remained in the 'poor' category.

Delhi's 24-hour Air Quality Index stood at 273 at 9 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.

In some areas, the air quality was worse.

The AQI in Mundka and Bawana stood at 366, Wazirpur 355, Jahangirpuri 347 and Anand Vihar 333, all in the 'very poor' category, the data showed.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 20.2 degrees Celsius, 1.8 notches above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The humidity level was recorded at 51 per cent at 8.30 am.

The capital is likely to witness clear skies during the day and the maximum temperature is likely to settle around 36 degrees Celsius, the IMD said.