New Delhi: Redesigning the Okhla barrage at Yamuna to reduce the turbulence triggering froth formation, stopping solid-waste dumping and untreated industrial discharge, shutting dhobi ghats and improving the environmental flow are among six measures proposed to tackle recurring froth in the river, according to an action plan discussed at an interdepartmental meeting earlier this week.
“The froth formation in this stretch is linked to specific technical conditions at the barrage. The third proposal is removing floating plants, including water hyacinth and other vegetation, from the river. Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu headed the meeting, which was attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Water Minister Parvesh Verma.
The first measure proposes redesigning the Okhla barrage to moderate the “plunge and churn” created when water falls over the structure. The turbulence aerates water containing surfactants and other pollutants, resulting in visible foam downstream of the barrage, an official said. The turbulence interacts with surfactants and other pollutants already present in the river to produce the visible foam,” said the official. Decaying vegetation adds to the organic load in the water and can contribute to froth formation, according to the action plan.
