Chhath Puja & Yamuna Pollution Ignite Political Feud
As Delhi prepares for Chhath Puja, a festival honoring the Sun God, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are locked in a bitter blame game over Yamuna pollution and festival arrangements. What should be a time of unity has turned into a political battleground, with both parties accusing each other of negligence.
Why Chhath Puja & the Yamuna Are Flashpoints
Chhath Puja, celebrated by migrants from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, involves rituals in water bodies like the Yamuna. But the river—covered in toxic foam and sewage—poses health risks. The AAP government has built artificial ponds as an alternative, but critics call it a last-minute fix.
AAP vs BJP: War of Words
- BJP’s Attack: Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva slammed AAP for “ignoring the Yamuna for years” and only acting before elections.
- AAP’s Defense: Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused BJP-led MCD of failing to clean ghats, calling their criticism “political opportunism.”
Yamuna’s Toxic Reality Beyond Politics
Despite court orders, the Yamuna remains one of India’s most polluted rivers. Industrial waste and untreated sewage have killed aquatic life, with activists slamming both parties for “short-term fixes over real solutions.”
Public Frustration Grows
Migrant devotees express anger over yearly neglect. “Politicians remember us only during elections,” said Sunita Devi, a domestic worker. “We just want clean water for prayers.”
What’s Next?
With 2025 elections nearing, the Yamuna’s condition is a political weapon. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has demanded a pollution report, but long-term solutions remain elusive.
Conclusion
The Chhath Puja dispute reflects Delhi’s deeper environmental crisis. Until leaders move beyond blame games, the Yamuna—and public trust—will keep eroding.
