Chemical sprays used on Yamuna froth as Delhi prepares for Chhath

Spraying at Okhla Barrage

Preparations for the Chhath festival are underway across Delhi and NCR. Authorities are spraying chemicals near the Okhla Barrage in Noida to clear toxic froth from the Yamuna river before devotees offer prayers. Devotees reached the Yamuna ghats to offer prayers to the setting sun, following the Kharna rituals on Saturday. Several ghats have been built across the region for worshippers to gather on Sunday and Monday. Toxic foam was spotted near Kalindi Kunj in New Delhi, prompting the anti-foaming spray operation. Meanwhile, a grand Chhath celebration featuring a laser show has been organized at Bapu Park in Mangolpuri.

Dead Fish Probe

In a separate incident linked to the river, an FIR has been registered at the Wazirabad police station following the discovery of lakhs of dead fish in the Yamuna. The North District police received a complaint from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi. Delhi Police arrested an accused named Surendra Kumar Azad, who identifies himself as a BSP worker on social media and allegedly uploaded the first video of the dead fish, though he has now received bail. DCP Niharika Bhatt stated that a strict investigation is underway, with the FIR filed under sections 353, 352, and 240 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities suspect mischievous elements deliberately dumped dead fish at Sonia Vihar ghat to damage the Delhi government's image and disrupt the festival.

Political Clash

The dead fish controversy has sparked a political clash between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party. AAP alleges that chemical agents sprayed in the water ahead of cruise services caused the fish deaths. BJP claims AAP is engaging in petty politics by throwing fish collected from fish markets into the river to blame the government.

Context

Chhath Puja is a major festival in northern India where devotees offer prayers to the Sun god while standing in water bodies. The Yamuna river frequently faces severe pollution and toxic foam issues during festive seasons due to industrial waste and sewage inflow. Political disputes over river cleanliness and environmental conditions frequently arise in Delhi ahead of major public events.