Number of polluted river sites is showing a slight reduction: CPCB

Why in the News?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released its 2023 assessment of Indian rivers, showing a slight reduction in the number of polluted river locations and a decrease in “most polluted” stretches.

Background

• River Pollution in India:
  India’s rivers have been facing industrial, domestic, and agricultural pollution for decades. Common pollutants include untreated sewage, chemical effluents, fertilisers, and plastic waste.
• CPCB Monitoring:
  • Monitors river water quality in two-year phases.
  • Uses Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) as the key parameter:
    • BOD > 3 mg/L → unfit for bathing.
    • BOD > 30 mg/L → “Priority 1” (most polluted).
  • Two continuous locations exceeding BOD limits in a river count as a Polluted River Stretch (PRS).

Feature

• Key Findings (2023 vs. 2022):
  • Total locations unfit for bathing: 807 (2023) vs. 815 (2022).
  • PRS: 296 locations in 271 rivers (down from 311 locations in 279 rivers).
  • Most polluted “Priority 1” stretches reduced from 45 to 37.
• State-wise Highlights:
  • Maharashtra: highest PRS locations (54).
  • Kerala: 31 PRS locations; Madhya Pradesh & Manipur: 18 each.
  • Tamil Nadu, UP, Uttarakhand: five “Priority 1” stretches each.
• Monitoring Network: CPCB monitors 4,736 water bodies across India (rivers, lakes, drains, canals, creeks).

Challenges

• Urban & Industrial Sewage: Rapid urbanisation and untreated industrial effluents continue to pollute rivers.
• Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides and fertilisers elevate BOD and nutrient loads, causing eutrophication.
• State Disparities: Some states (Maharashtra, UP, TN) continue to have multiple Priority 1 stretches.
• Implementation Gap: Despite programs like Namami Gange and Clean Rivers Mission, pollution persists due to inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure.
• Data Gaps: CPCB monitoring covers 4,736 locations, but many smaller rivers remain unmonitored.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Sewage & Effluent Treatment: Ensure STPs and ETPs are functional and upgraded.
• Integrated River Basin Management: Holistic planning addressing industrial, domestic, and agricultural sources of pollution.
• State Accountability: Priority 1 stretches need urgent remediation plans, with state-level enforcement.
• Public Awareness & Citizen Science: Engage local communities in river cleaning and monitoring.
• Technology & Innovation: Use AI, IoT sensors, and remote sensing for real-time monitoring of water quality.
• Policy Integration: Tie river health with economic planning, urban development, and water conservation schemes.

Conclusion

While the slight reduction in polluted river stretches and Priority 1 locations is encouraging, India’s rivers remain under severe stress. Sustained policy, technological, and community-based interventions are essential to restore river health and meet the goals of programs like Namami Gange.

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