Foam and fear: Are officials distorting Yamuna pollution data?

Despite a recent report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) claiming that dissolved phosphate levels in the treated water entering the Yamuna River are within permissible limits, images of froth on the river’s surface ahead of Chhath Puja have caused alarm among residents of the national capital. Experts have expressed doubts, suggest ing that the visible pollution contradicts the report’s findings. “If the dissolved phosphate is within the permissible range, how is a thick layer of toxic foam covering the Yamuna at Kalindi Kunj?” questioned environmentalist Pankaj Kumar. He further raised concerns about the credibility of the report, asking whether agencies might be manipulating data to obscure their failure in con trolling pollution.

According to the DPCC’s August 2024 report on the city’s 37 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), the treated water released into the Yamuna is reported to contain dissolved phosphate levels within accept able limits. However, the presence of thick foam points to ongoing water quality issues, casting doubt on the effectiveness of current pollution control measures.

Dissolved phosphate refers to phosphate ions in water that are not bound to particles or sediments. They primarily come from agricultural runoff, deter gents, sewage, and industrial discharges. These phosphates significantly contribute to eutrophication—a process leading to excessive algae growth, depletion of oxygen levels, and the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems.

The DPCC report also revealed violations of other critical parameters in the treated water released into the Yamuna, including faecal coliform levels, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Patriot takes a closer look at the report to understand the gravity of the situation.

Also read: Delhi: Women bus drivers demand job security and fair wages

Increasing faecal contamination

Flouting faecal coliform norms, 21 out of 37 STPs in Delhi failed to meet standards in August, continuing a trend of non-compliance observed in previous months. Faecal coliform bacteria, found in the intestines of humans and animals, are a key indicator of contamination from untreated or inadequately treated sewage. The permissible limit for faecal coliform is 230 MPN (most probable number)/100 ML, but several STPs far exceeded this limit. Among the worst offenders were Nilothi (2400 MPN), Najafgarh (2100 MPN), Rohini (2200 MPN), Vasant Kunj (3300 MPN), and Okhla (5600 MPN), raising significant concerns about the effectiveness of wastewater treatment and the pollution burden on the Yamuna.

Breaching TSS norms

In addition to faecal coliform violations, the STPs are also exceeding Total Suspended Solids (TSS) limits, which are capped at 10 milligrams per litre (mg/L). TSS, made up of particles like silt, algae, and organic matter, impacts water clarity, harms aquatic ecosystems, and increases treatment costs. The DPCC report identifies major violators, including Coronation Pillar (36 mg/L), Keshopur (58 mg/L), Nilothi and Najafgarh (both 31 mg/L), Vasant Kunj (110 mg/L), and Okhla (85 mg/L).

Skyrocketing BOD levels

The same sewage plants are also dis charging water with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels far exceeding the permissible limit of 10 mg/L. BOD measures the oxygen needed by microorgan isms to break down organic matter, and high levels deplete oxygen, suffocating aquatic life and leading to dead zones and eutrophication. Major offenders include Coronation Pillar (31 mg/L), Keshopur (50 mg/L), Nilothi (20 mg/L), Vasant Kunj (53 mg/L), Okhla (55 mg/L), and Ghitorni (36 mg/L), indicating serious pollution concerns that continue to strain the river’s already fragile ecosystem.

Rising COD levels

The report reveals alarmingly high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels, which are capped at 50 mg/L. COD measures the oxygen needed to chemically break down organic and inorganic pollutants in water. Elevated levels deplete oxygen and signal toxic substances, harming aquatic life and degrading water quality. The offenders exceeding permissible limits include Coronation Pillar and Okhla (248mg/L), Vasant Kunj (224 mg/L), Yamuna Vihar (156 mg/L for Phase 3), Ghitorni (92 mg/L), and Papankalan (88 mg/L), among others.

Billions down the drain?

“The Yamuna enters Delhi from Haryana at Palla, where water quality is within acceptable limits,” environmental expert Pankaj Kumar explained. “According to a DPCC report from September 2024, the river at Palla has a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 3 mg per litre, faecal coliform bacteria at 16 MPN per 100 ml, and Dissolved Oxygen at 8 mg per litre—all in line with standards.” However, the situation changes drastically as the river reaches the Okhla Barrage. “BOD jumps to 25 mg per litre, over eight times the acceptable limit,” Kumar warned. “More concerning is the rise in faecal coliform bacteria, from 16 MPN at Palla to 35 million MPN per 100 ml at Okhla.”

“Faecal coliform bacteria, found in human and animal waste, pose serious health risks. Yet, people continue to bathe and perform religious rituals in this contaminated water at Kalindi Kunj, risking diseases like diarrhoea and stomach infections.” Kumar emphasised that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) limits faecal coliform levels to 50 MPN per 100 ml for drinking water and 500 MPN per 100 ml for bathing. “Billions have been spent on the Yamuna Action Plan since 2012, yet the situation has not improved,” he said. “Despite over 30 years of efforts, the Yamuna is in worse condition than in 2013-14, even after significant financial investment.”

Lack of a unified front

“Non-segregated waste being dumped into drains due to poor enforcement of solid waste management laws worsens the situation,” highlighted environ mentalist Bhavreen Khandari. She emphasised the need for improved wastewater treatment before it reaches the river, calling for upgrades to existing STPs, the construction of new facilities, and repairs to malfunctioning ones. She also urged government agencies to enforce pollution control laws more strictly and impose significant fines on offenders.

She stressed the importance of coordination between Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, as the Yamuna flows through all three states. “This pollution issue requires a unified approach and cannot be tackled in isolation; it’s a systemic problem that needs consistent management,” Khandari added. She warned of the alarming health risks from contaminated water and toxic foam, which can lead to serious conditions like infections, cancer, and organ damage. She noted a rising incidence of typhoid and gastrointestinal problems linked to water toxicity, underscoring the urgent need for immediate and sustained action to protect public health.

Also read: Tibetan refugee market reopens, highlighting winter craftsmanship

Doctor sounds alarm

Dr Tushar Tayal, a Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, spoke to Patriot about the health risks associated with the toxic foam in the Yamuna River. “One of the most significant concerns is the direct contact of people with this frothy water, especially during religious rituals where people bathe in or consume the water,” he said.

Prolonged skin contact with the froth can lead to severe dermatological conditions such as rashes, itching, and eczema, and may aggravate existing skin conditions like psoriasis. Eye exposure to these chemicals can cause irritation, redness, and long-term dam age, the doctor added. “Respiratory issues are another concern, as inhaling the fine mist of chemicals can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract,” Dr Tayal pointed out. “This is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.”

He further warned that the presence of high ammonia levels and heavy metals like lead and mercury in the river water contributes to the toxic environment, potentially causing severe health complications such as kidney damage, neurological disorders, and even cancer with prolonged exposure.