Weather of Arabia - The horrific phenomenon was repeated as parts of the Yamuna River , one of the branches of the Ganges River, which is considered sacred, sank again under a thick layer of white foam. This froth is considered an unhealthy and harmful mixture, consisting of sewage and industrial waste, and it has accumulated densely in Different parts of the river, which runs about 855 miles south from the Himalayas, crossing several states.
This harmful foam contains high levels of harmful chemicals such as ammonia and phosphate, and it poses a serious threat to public health. Experts have warned of its harmful effects on the respiratory system and skin. At a time when the capital, New Delhi, is struggling from the smog that has swept the city, this latest phenomenon has increased Challenges facing the city.
The arrival of this phenomenon coincided with dangerous levels of environmental pollution, which led to the spread of diseases among the city’s population of more than 20 million people. This difficult health situation greatly affected the lives of the residents, as schools and some offices were forced to close as a result of its negative impact on health. The phenomenon was also repeated in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, where cameras detected strong winds carrying foam across roads and paths, which embodies the tragic situation that some areas in India are experiencing.
Over the decades, parts of the Yamuna River have witnessed the dumping of toxic chemicals and untreated sewage, greatly affecting its environmental condition. Many sections of the river appear dark and polluted, with plastic waste collecting on its banks.
The Yamuna River is considered the most polluted in the areas adjacent to Delhi, due to the high population density in this area and increasing levels of waste, and although only 2% of the river’s length flows through the capital, Delhi contributes up to 76% of the river’s total pollution, according to reports by the committee. Government surveillance.
Experts point out that this tragic sight is a routine occurrence in the Yamuna River, and despite its bad reputation, many rural residents in the region continue to use the river water for bathing and even drinking. Pictures taken in September also show the formation of toxic foam on the surface of the Yamuna River.
Devout Hindus are often observed performing religious rituals in the Yamuna River surrounded by a thick layer of foam and every year sees many gathering on the river's shores to celebrate the Chhath Puja festival, dedicated to the sun god Lord Surya, with some wading through the foam to perform bathing and prayers.
Recently, a layer of smog joined the toxic foam in New Delhi, prompting many residents to take preventive measures such as purchasing air purifiers and wearing face masks to reduce exposure to the fumes.
New Delhi has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world for several consecutive days this week, according to Swiss air quality company IQAir. On Thursday, the city's air quality index (AQI) reached 517 — a level considered hazardous, according to the company.
In comparison, Oslo, the least polluted capital in the world, scores an air quality index (AQI) of just three. Beijing, the Chinese capital that was once on the list of most polluted cities, is showing significant improvement in its air quality, with the Air Quality Index currently recording 25 – a number considered “good”.
Two other Indian cities, Kolkata and Mumbai, were ranked on IQAir's list as the eleven most polluted cities in the world, with values of 205 and 102 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) respectively, both considered unhealthy.
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Sources:
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