New Delhi, Feb 17 (.) The Delhi Congress on Tuesday alleged that both the current BJP government in the capital and the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government failed to effectively clean the Yamuna despite spending thousands of crores of rupees, citing a study on microplastics in the river and groundwater.
Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav claimed that a study commissioned by the Delhi government and conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) found significant contamination of microplastics in the Yamuna and in groundwater across the city. He alleged that while the previous AAP government reportedly spent around ₹6,800 crore on cleaning the river, the present BJP government also spent substantial funds, but pollution levels remain high.
Yadav further claimed that water supplied to households through Delhi Jal Board pipelines contains microplastic particles and organic residue, posing potential health risks. He said untreated sewage flowing into the Yamuna remains a major source of pollution.
Referring to the study’s findings, he alleged that before the monsoon, the average concentration of microplastics smaller than 5 mm in the Yamuna was recorded at 6,375 particles per cubic metre, which reportedly reduced by about 50 per cent after the monsoon to 3,080 particles per cubic metre. However, he claimed that the water remained unsafe for human consumption.
According to the Delhi Congress, groundwater samples collected from multiple sites also showed contamination. Yadav alleged that several areas, including Najafgarh, Tilak Nagar, Saket, Vasant Kunj, Kalkaji, Karol Bagh, Naraina, ITO Barrage, Okhla, Ghazipur and Bhalswa, were found to have high concentrations of microplastics due to dense habitation, industrial activity, landfill sites and untreated waste discharge.
He claimed that microplastics in soil and water can absorb pesticides and heavy metals, increasing toxicity levels and posing potential risks to public health. The party further alleged that contaminated water could contribute to serious health conditions.
. ATK SAS AKU