AP PHOTOS: River and air pollution in India’s capital pose a severe health threat to residents

NEW DELHI (AP) — One of India’s most sacred rivers, the Yamuna in New Delhi, is covered with white toxic foam, with vast sections frothing as a result of pollutants discharged from industries around the city. The pollution poses a severe health threat to residents since the river provides more than half of the Indian capital’s water.

New Delhi also has some of the world’s most polluted air every year, and the current festival season is exacerbating the situation. On Tuesday, the air-quality index deteriorated to “a very poor” reading of 273, 18 times more than the World Health Organization’s quality guidelines. The tiny PM 2.5 particulate matter can enter deep into the lungs and cause diseases.

Still, Hindu devotees have not given up their religious practices at the Yamuna. On Tuesday morning, a young couple was among a group that visited the river bank, had a dip, and then left.

Jasraj, a 70-year-old retired government clerk, said he has been visiting the river for a bathing ritual since 1980.

“I worship the river as a mother, and there is no question of its being clean or dirty. It’s dirty on the surface but clean below the top,” said Jasraj, who uses one name.

Imran Khan, a student, said one can’t breathe properly in Delhi’s polluted air.

“People are here for jogging, and they are facing problems, too. Our environment should be cleaner,” he said.

Shishupal Kumar, a contract worker, said people visit the river from far-off places to perform religious rituals.

“The river has become completely dirty. It is full of chemicals. It looks like snowfall has happened here, like it happens on mountains,” Kumar said.

The 1,376-kilometer (855-mile) Yamuna is one of the holiest rivers for Hindus. It is also among the most polluted in