River Pollution in India – CPCB Shows Marginal Reduction

River Pollution Latest News

• The CPCB’s latest report shows a marginal reduction in polluted river stretches across India, though several rivers, especially in Maharashtra, remain critically contaminated.

Introduction

• Rivers are the lifelines of India, sustaining agriculture, industry, and millions of people. 
• However, unchecked urbanisation, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents have turned several rivers into highly polluted water bodies. 
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regularly monitors river health, measuring biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels to identify polluted stretches. 
  • BOD measures the oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water, serving as a key indicator of organic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
• Its latest report indicates a marginal reduction in the number of polluted river stretches across India, though concerns remain about severely contaminated segments.

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River Pollution in India

• River pollution in India has been a persistent challenge, with most urban centres discharging untreated sewage directly into rivers. 
• Industrial units, despite regulations, contribute chemical pollutants, while agricultural runoff adds pesticides and fertilisers. 
• According to CPCB, a polluted river stretch is defined as two or more consecutive locations on a river where BOD levels exceed 3 mg/L, rendering water unfit for bathing.
• Major Causes
  • Untreated sewage – Cities generate over 72,000 MLD of sewage, of which only about 30% is treated.
  • Industrial effluents – Chemical and textile hubs like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu release toxic waste.
  • Agricultural runoff – Fertilisers and pesticides flow into rivers during monsoons.
  • Encroachments and sand mining – These degrade river ecosystems and floodplains.
• Impact
  • Decline in aquatic biodiversity.
  • Unsafe drinking and bathing water, leading to waterborne diseases.
  • Economic loss to fisheries and agriculture.
  • Social unrest, as seen in protests around rivers like the Yamuna and Ganga.
• The Ganga, Yamuna, Sabarmati, Godavari, and Musi are among India’s most polluted rivers, with stretches frequently falling into the CPCB’s “Priority I” category, meaning they require immediate remediation.

News Summary: CPCB’s Latest Findings

• Marginal Improvement
  • According to CPCB’s 2023 report, the number of polluted river stretches decreased from 311 to 296, covering 271 rivers across 32 states and Union Territories.
• Most Affected States
  • Maharashtra continues to top the list with 54 polluted stretches.
  • Kerala (31), Madhya Pradesh and Manipur (18 each), and Karnataka (14) also reported significant pollution.
• Priority Classifications
  • Priority I (BOD > 30 mg/L) – 37 stretches, down from 46 in 2022. These include the Yamuna in Delhi, the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, the Chambal in Madhya Pradesh, and stretches of the Tungabhadra and Sarabanga.
  • Priority V (BOD 3.1–6 mg/L) – Indicating less polluted stretches needing minimal intervention.
• Rivers Showing Deterioration
  • Despite marginal progress overall, certain rivers recorded worsening conditions. 
  • These include Jhelum (J&K), Ganga and Sikrahna (Bihar), Hasdeo and Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh), Cauvery and Tungabhadra (Karnataka), Periyar (Kerala), and Krishna (Telangana).
• Long-Term Monitoring
  • CPCB, in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards, monitors water quality at over 4,700 locations under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme.
• Institutional Interventions
  • Following a 2018 directive by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), states are mandated to prepare river rejuvenation action plans. 
  • The current CPCB report emphasises catchment management, sewage treatment, and floodplain protection as critical measures for reducing river pollution.

Challenges in River Rejuvenation

• Infrastructure gaps – Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are under-capacity or non-functional in many cities.
• Coordination failures – Overlapping jurisdictions between CPCB, State Boards, and local authorities hinder accountability.
• Funding and monitoring – Many state-level action plans lack financial backing and robust evaluation.
• Urbanisation pressures – Continuous encroachments and waste generation outpace clean-up efforts.

Future Outlook

• While the marginal reduction in polluted stretches offers cautious optimism, India’s river rejuvenation efforts must scale up significantly. 
• Initiatives like the Namami Gange Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the push for decentralised sewage treatment are steps in the right direction. 
• However, tackling agricultural runoff, enforcing industrial compliance, and engaging communities will be crucial for sustainable outcomes.

Source: TH | IE