Yamuna panel asks DPCC to submit report on foaming Yamuna during Chhath Puja

Yamuna Monitoring Panel has asked Delhi Pollution Control Committee to submit a report on foaming Yamuna river during Chhath Puja. The panel asked the pollution control committee to identify the location, the reason for such discharge into the river and submit a report.

New Delhi: Days after pictures of Chhath Puja devotees standing knee-deep in froth-spewing Yamuna emerged, the NGT-appointed Yamuna Monitoring Panel asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to find the reason for such discharge in the river and submit a report.

In a letter to DPCC, the monitoring panel said the shocking pictures have got extensive media coverage and have gone viral on Twitter with "very damaging comments" on the toxicity in the river.

"The exact location is not clear and obviously, if it is in Delhi, the enforcement action by the Commissioner (Industries) and the DPCC has been lax," it said.

The panel asked the pollution control committee to identify the location, the reason for such discharge into the river and submit a report.

"From the picture, it does appear to be around confirming or non-conforming industrial areas.Necessary action to close down industries that are creating such environmental hazards needs to be taken," the committee directed.

The pictures showed women standing knee-deep in foaming, polluted Yamuna as they offered prayers to the rising sun on Chhath Puja on Sunday.

The devotees, however, did not get a full view of the sun due to a thick smog.