UP News: As the Yamuna River continues to be engulfed in a thick layer of toxic foam, a disturbing trend has emerged during the Chhath Puja festival. Despite repeated warnings from authorities about the severe contamination of the rivers water, many devotees have chosen to ignore these advisories and immerse themselves in the polluted water. The foam, which has become an annual phenomenon, poses serious health risks, yet it hasnt stopped hundreds from participating in the religious rituals.Chhath Puja Devotees Bath in Polluted Water Surrounded by Toxic FoamA viral video from the festival, which has garnered over a million views, has shocked viewers worldwide. In the clip, a woman is seen bathing in the Yamunas contaminated waters, with toxic foam floating around her. Incredibly, she even uses the froth as shampoo, lathering it into her hair, while four other women stand in the same polluted water, laughing and washing their hair amidst the floating foam.Arre didi woh shampoo nahi hai 😬🤮 pic.twitter.com/4shRnYh8tW— Manish RJ (@mrjethwani_) November 7, 2024The video has sparked outrage, with many viewers expressing their disbelief. “Is this really happening” one shocked user commented, while another warned, “All that foam is not shampoo!” A third user highlighted the potential health risks, noting, “After a few days, they will see a skin doctor.”Experts Highlight the Dangers of Polluted WaterExperts explain that the foam in the Yamuna River is a result of high levels of untreated sewage and industrial pollutants. These toxic chemicals not only pose immediate health risks such as skin irritation and respiratory issues but can lead to long-term health problems. Despite the known dangers, devotees continue to enter the water for the traditional “arghya” offering to the Sun during the four-day Chhath Puja festival.Chhath Puja is an important celebration for people from Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, who make up a significant portion of Delhis population. As the festival concludes, the river becomes crowded with people offering prayers and standing knee-deep in the polluted water, with many taking part in ritual baths in the frothy river.A Call for Awareness and ActionWhile devotion is a key element of Chhath Puja, the health risks associated with the use of the Yamunas contaminated water cannot be ignored. As experts continue to raise awareness, the importance of education in preventing such dangerous practices becomes more evident. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from bathing in the polluted water, but the festival continues to see large crowds ignoring these warnings.
