Children play in polluted river foam in New Delhi, India
Digital Reporter
Monday, March 26, 2018, 7:44 PM - Dozens of people took to the polluted waters of the Yamuna River in New Delhi, India last week in celebration of the Hindu festival Navratri.
Parts of the river have been declared a 'dead zone' because pollution levels are too high to support fish or other marine life.
The thick layer of toxic foam that covers the river gives off a strong odour, according to locals.
READ MORE: India and air pollution
Yamuna is considered one of India's most polluted rivers, filled with industrial waste from local factories. About 600 million gallons of sewage are dumped in the river every year.
Locals can regularly be seen washing their clothes and dishes in the river.
Last week's photos were published amid World Water Week -- a public awareness campaign aimed at water conservation and preservation.
PHOTOS: PEOPLE SWIM IN POLLUTED YAMUNA RIVER
Boys play in the foam covering the polluted water of the river Yamuna in New Delhi, India March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
A Hindu devotee bathes his brother, after taking a dip in the polluted waters of the river Yamuna, during the celebration of Navratri festival in New Delhi, India March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
Hindu devotees immerse an idol of deity in the polluted waters of the river Yamuna during the celebration of Navratri festival in New Delhi, India March 25, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
'The Yumuna river is one of the most sacred places for the millions of hindus who live in India. UN-Habitat estimates the city of Delhi dumps 2 billion liters of waste into the Yamuna each day, and says it is dead, without enough oxygen to support river life.Photo taken at sunrise outside of New Delhi.' GETTY IMAGES
