Covered in Toxic Foam, Yamuna to Get 'Namo Yamuna' Cruise Safari in Delhi

Even as thick white foam continues to appear on the Yamuna and Delhi struggles to stop sewage and sludge from entering the river, the capital has launched a recreational cruise service along its banks. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inaugurated the 'Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari', offering an approximately 30-minute ride between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

The launch comes at a time when the Yamuna's pollution problem remains unresolved, with fresh foaming reported near Kalindi Kunj on Monday. While the government is promoting the cruise as a new tourism attraction, it is also exploring international expertise to tackle the river's pollution, including possible cooperation with a Swedish company specialising in sewage sludge management.

Yamuna Foaming Again as Delhi Struggles With Pollution

Thick white froth was spotted on the Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj on Monday, with workers seen clearing the foam. The problem has become a familiar sight along this stretch, particularly during winter, as detergents and untreated sewage entering the river contribute to the formation of foam.

However, the pollution extends well beyond the visible froth.

A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) study released last month identified 12 drains as major pollution hotspots. It found waste dumped at 32 locations, while arrangements to prevent contaminated water from entering the river were inadequate or non-functional at 11 drains.

The study also highlighted how the Yamuna's water quality deteriorates as it passes through Delhi. At Palla, where the river enters the capital, a key measure of organic pollution remained within the bathing-water limit in September. By the time the river reached ISBT Bridge, the reading had risen to 30 mg per litre — 10 times the prescribed limit.

The measure, known as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), indicates the level of organic pollution in water. A higher BOD reading points to greater pollution.

Swedish Company Explores Yamuna Clean-Up Partnership

Amid the continuing pollution concerns, a Swedish company specialising in sewage sludge management has expressed interest in joining Delhi's clean-up efforts.

Representatives of the company met Delhi Water Minister and Delhi Jal Board Chairman Parvesh Verma at the Delhi Secretariat, with discussions focusing on possible areas of cooperation. The talks are at an early stage, and no agreement has been announced.

Verma said the government wanted to draw on international technology and expertise to address the river's pollution.

"Cleaning the Yamuna requires the best available technology, global expertise and sustained efforts," he said.

The minister added that the government's efforts were aimed not only at cleaning the river but also at improving Delhi's wider water supply and sewage management systems.

Finnish, Japanese Technology Already Part of Clean-Up Efforts

Delhi has already turned to foreign technology and assistance for its water-management projects.

In January, the government deployed a Finnish-made Watermaster machine in the Najafgarh drain to remove accumulated silt, sludge and weeds. Verma has said the drain accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the pollution entering the Yamuna, making it a major focus of the clean-up drive.

Japan has also supported Delhi's sewage infrastructure. On October 22, four water and sewage facilities built or upgraded with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) were inaugurated. The projects, costing around ₹1,810 crore collectively, include sewage treatment facilities at Okhla, Rithala and Kondli.

The Asian Development Bank is also associated with a proposed ₹2,574-crore project to improve water supply in areas served by the Wazirabad treatment plant.

The BJP-led Delhi government has set May 2029 as its target to clean the Yamuna's stretch passing through the capital.

What Is the Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari?

The cruise safari is a joint project of the Central government, Delhi government and Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called it a special occasion for residents of the national capital.

"On behalf of the 2.5 crore people of Delhi, I would like to express my gratitude to all those present here on stage whose efforts, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have made this Namo Yamuna Safari possible," she said.

Gupta said the initiative was not just about launching a boat or a cruise but also about bringing people closer to the Yamuna and the environment.

"This is not just about launching a boat or a cruise; it is about our faith in Maa Yamuna. Today, through the launch of this cruise, we will be able to go closer to Maa Yamuna," she said.

She added that the experience, which had so far been associated with cities such as Prayagraj, would now be available to Delhi residents. Facilities for children and senior citizens, she said, would make the site more significant.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Delhi government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and with the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was committed to cleaning the Yamuna and making its water beneficial for people's lives.

Referring to river cruises in Europe, Sonowal said the initiative had made such an experience possible in the national capital. He also criticised the political environment created by the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, linking it to earlier perceptions about river cruising in Delhi.

Electric Boat, Musical Fountain and Five-Kilometre Riverfront

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra told IANS that the cruise safari would initially operate with a boat carrying around 40 passengers. More boats are planned for the coming days.

The vessel is electric-powered, and the project complies with National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms, Mishra said.

A musical fountain show will also be organised every evening, featuring stories of Lord Krishna and Maa Yamuna. The site has a recreational and entertainment zone, along with gaming and food facilities. Water sports activities are expected to be introduced in the future.

Mishra also announced plans to develop a five-kilometre riverfront in the area.

The cruise service adds a new recreational attraction to Delhi's riverfront. However, with foam returning to the Yamuna and pollution studies identifying continuing gaps in sewage management, the river's clean-up remains a major challenge.