Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Environmental Group Alleges Excessive Defoamer Use in Yamuna
An environmental group called Earth Warrior has raised concerns about the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) spraying too much defoamer in the Yamuna River for a long time.
They say this spraying, which happened from mid-October 2025 for over two months, was not done properly and could harm the river's plants and animals.
The group wants the authorities to take action against the DJB and do a study to see if the river was damaged.
The DJB says they decide how much defoamer to use based on how much foam is there, but they haven't said anything about the environmental risks yet.
Environmental group Earth Warrior alleges excessive and prolonged spraying of defoamers in the Yamuna River by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Spraying began in mid-October 2025 and continued for over two months, unlike previous years where it was limited to 7-10 days during Chhath Puja.
Activists claim the spraying was done without proper environmental clearance, risk assessment, or public dosage protocols.
Excessive use of defoamers could cause ecological risks such as hypoxia, toxicity to aquatic life, and sediment contamination.
Earth Warrior has urged the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take action against the DJB and conduct an independent assessment of ecological damage.
- Who
- Environmental group Earth Warrior and Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
- What
- Allegations of excessive and prolonged spraying of defoamers in the Yamuna River
- When
- Spraying began in mid-October 2025 and continued for over two months
- Where
- Downstream of the Okhla Barrage in the Yamuna River, Delhi
- Why
- To rid the Yamuna of froth, but activists claim it was excessive and caused ecological risks
Environmental Activists
Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
Duration of Spraying
Environmental Activists
The spraying of defoamers was prolonged and excessive, lasting over two months without visible foam on many days.
Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
Defoamer dosing is determined by factors such as foam thickness, bubble size, and foam type.
Environmental Impact
Environmental Activists
Excessive use of defoamers can cause ecological risks, including hypoxia, toxicity to aquatic life, and sediment contamination.
Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
No immediate response from DJB on the specific ecological risks.
- Duration of Spraying (2025)
- Over two months, starting mid-October
- Duration of Spraying (2022-2024)
- 7-10 days during Chhath Puja
- Key Component of Defoamers
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
- Environmental Risks
- Hypoxia, toxicity to aquatic life, sediment contamination
- Action Sought by Activists
- Independent assessment of ecological damage, environmental compensation under 'polluter pays principle'