February 2026 is almost ending. In Delhi, there are no elections around the corner, no Chhath Puja approaching… and so, there is no urgency about the condition of the Yamuna, no heated debates, and no loud media outrage either. During this lull, I went to Kalindi Kunj, where the Yamuna River flowed silently, almost unnoticed… its pollution met with silence.Large clusters of dense foam had accumulated beneath the bridge in Kalindi Kunj, spreading unevenly across the water’s surface. In several stretches, the river appeared visibly divided—one side carrying its dark natural flow, while the other was covered with thick layers of white froth drifting slowly with the current. Delhi's Water Crisis Will Keep Returning Till Yamuna's High Ammonia Isn't SolvedAlong the banks, the foam had gathered in thicker patches. A sharp odour lingered near the riverbed. In the afternoon light, the froth appeared like accumulated detergent foam than scattered bubbles.On the same stretch of the bank, I noticed two Delhi government employees testing the water quality using a handheld instrument. I attempted to speak with them, but they declined to comment. Wearing just cloth masks, they continued their work. Their equipment included a syringe-shaped pump attached to a transparent sampling container. The water sample was drawn into the container, sealed, and then secured inside a protective case.Many of the people living along the riverbank come from economically weaker backgrounds. Many come to the river to wash clothes, bathe, or clean utensils. Even as they complain about the foul smell and pollution, they admit that they have limited options. Relocating or finding better housing is not financially feasible for them, they say.A report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources, tabled in March 2025, examined the water quality of the Yamuna’s Delhi stretch and highlighted untreated sewage as the major reason behind its poor condition. The panel found that 23 of the 33 monitored sites failed to meet basic water quality standards. Delhi's Water Crisis Will Keep Returning Till Yamuna's High Ammonia Isn't SolvedThe Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), too, conducted a study on pollution in the Yamuna River in December 2025. The study identified untreated sewage, industrial effluents, solid waste, and microplastics as key causes of pollution. The study recommended upgrading sewage and effluent treatment infrastructure, among others, to curb pollution and improve water quality.On 28 January, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that pollution in the Yamuna is a “legacy problem” caused by the negligence of previous governments. She said her administration is working on strengthening sewage infrastructure, preventing untreated discharge, and accelerating river-cleaning projects. Despite these assurances and policy announcements, visible progress remains minimal.(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)