Delhi CM Sounds Alarm: A Call to Halt 'Dangerous' Chemical Sprays in Yamuna River

In a move that’s certainly grabbed headlines, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has penned a rather pointed letter to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, expressing what he calls “serious concern” over the continued use of defoaming sprays in the Yamuna River. It seems the CM isn't just worried; he's outright questioning the LG's judgment, asking how such a “dangerous experiment” could possibly get the green light.

Now, this isn't some minor bureaucratic squabble. Kejriwal's main beef, and rightly so, revolves around the potentially devastating health hazards and environmental damage these chemical sprays could be inflicting. Imagine, we're talking about a river, held sacred by many, being doused with substances that scientists and environmentalists are warning could seriously harm not just the aquatic life, but also the health of countless people who interact with its waters. It's a truly alarming thought, isn't it?

What makes this situation particularly baffling, frankly, is the political backdrop. This isn't a new issue, mind you. We've seen these chemical defoaming efforts before, notably during the Chhath Puja festivities. And, funnily enough, the BJP – which is essentially represented by the Centre-appointed LG – had, in previous years, been rather vocal in its criticism of the AAP government for using these very same sprays. It's a bizarre twist of fate, or perhaps just typical political theatre, to see the tables turn so dramatically.

Kejriwal's letter isn't just full of rhetoric, though. He’s got the receipts, so to speak. He specifically points to a report from an expert committee, one that was actually constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). And what did this esteemed committee conclude? Well, it categorically advised against the use of such chemical agents in the river. Instead, they suggested much safer, more natural alternatives, like physically removing the foam or using methods that don't involve dumping questionable chemicals into our waterways. Seems pretty logical, right?

So, what's the CM asking for? It's pretty straightforward: an immediate halt to the use of these defoaming sprays. He's also urging the LG to, please, explore and implement safer, more sustainable alternatives. Beyond that, there's a larger, more crucial plea for a real, long-term solution to the persistent problem of Yamuna pollution. Because let's be honest, dousing foam with chemicals is a temporary band-aid at best, and a potentially harmful one at worst, for a problem that requires genuine, systemic change.