Congress Blames Kejriwal for Yamuna Pollution

New Delhi - Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Arvind Kejriwal, blaming them for the Yamuna river's current state of pollution. Dikshit's criticism comes as devotees gathered on the Yamuna's banks for the four-day Chhath Puja festival, confronted by the sight of toxic foam floating on the water's surface.

Speaking to IANS, Dikshit called the situation "unprecedented," stating that he doesn't believe the river has been this bad in the last 50-60 years, particularly highlighting the decline over the past 8 years under Kejriwal's tenure. He placed the blame squarely on the Delhi government, saying, "Kejriwal is solely responsible for the condition of Yamuna."

Dikshit accused Kejriwal of failing to fulfill his promise of cleaning the river and taking a dip in it, despite reportedly spending Rs 3,500 crore on the effort. He further claimed that the Kejriwal government stalled the installation of sewage interceptors, which he believes are crucial for cleaning the Yamuna.

"The reason for the condition of Yamuna is due to four to five big drains of Delhi which flow into it," Dikshit explained, emphasizing that these drains need to be intercepted to prevent further pollution. He contrasted the current administration's approach with that of the Congress party when they were in power, stating that they had planned to install sewage interceptors but the project was halted after Kejriwal came to power.

Dikshit's comments add to the ongoing concerns about the health of the Yamuna River, particularly as devotees perform Chhath Puja rituals, including bathing in the river. The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, dismissed a public interest litigation seeking permission for the public to perform Chhath Puja at Geeta Colony Ghats on the Yamuna riverbanks, citing the pollution levels.