Amid the Chatt puja celebration in the national capital region, a woman was seen washing her hair with toxic foam that has covered the entire surface of the Yamuna River, along with other devotes taking a dip in the contaminated water.

A video of the woman gone viral on social media has not only angered netizens but has also raised questions about the ignorance and lack of awareness by authorities regarding increasing pollution in the Delhi-NCR which can lead to dangerous diseases and conditions.

According to experts, the froth has become an annual phenomenon, during the winter months, even as AQI levels in the national capital crossed 400 in many parts of the city.

In the video, the woman was seen bathing in Yamuna even as toxic foam floating around her. She then started using the froth as soap to shampoo her hair, along with four other women who also did the same while being surrounded by the foam and standing in toxic water.

According to a study by IIT Kanpur, foam gets formed in the river due to high levels of untreated sewage and industrial pollutants that come with it. Scientists say it is a seasonal phenomenon, and the froth contains detergents containing phosphates and surfactants from residential and industrial waste.

When these chemicals are released into the river, they reduce the surface tension of the water, leading to the formation of froth. The increased volume of untreated sewage further aggravates the problem.

Experts say the foam has been causing a significant threat to water quality, aquatic life, and the overall health of the ecosystem. Excessive organic pollutants lead to eutrophication - causing algal blooms. And so, when these algae start decomposing, they use up the oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxia, which further degrades water quality and kills aquatic life.

Algal blooms produced by nutrient overload also create toxins, endangering aquatic life and making the water unsafe for human use. Polluted water also leads to serious health risks for humans as the water contains heavy metals and pesticides. Exposure to such waters can lead to:

• Skin irritations
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Cancer
• Eye allergies

According to experts, Yamuna water is not suitable – either for drinking or bathing. Even taking dips can lead to gastrointestinal diseases due to high bacteria levels like E. coli which is life-threatening.

Pulmonary doctors say contact with water can lead to immediate side effects like fungal infections and inhalation due to respiratory issues.

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