Pollution Levels in River Stretches: CPCB Report 2023
The latest assessment report released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlights the status of river pollution in India, with a focus on the Yamuna river in Delhi.
Key Findings
- The stretch of the Yamuna river in Delhi from Palla to Asgarpur village remains among the most polluted.
- A total of 296 polluted river stretches were identified in the report.
- 37 river stretches were categorized under Priority 1 based on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), indicating severe organic pollution.
- This marks a small reduction from 46 river stretches identified in the 2022 report.
Pollution Measurement Criteria
- A polluted river stretch is defined by its pollution load, particularly when BOD exceeds 3 mg/L continuously in two or more locations.
- The CPCB reviewed data from 2,116 locations across 32 states and Union Territories for 2022 and 2023.
Trends and Observations
- The number of polluted river stretches has decreased from 351 in 2018 to 311 in 2022 and further to 296 in 2023.
- More river stretches have moved from a higher to a lower priority class, requiring less intervention.
- Delhi’s river pollution levels, however, have not improved.
Additional Findings
- In Delhi, water quality was monitored at 7 locations during 2022 and 2023, failing to meet criteria at each location.
- Other Priority 1 classified rivers include the Amlakhadi river and Sabarmati in Gujarat and the Chambal river stretch from Nagda to Gandhisagar dam in Madhya Pradesh.
- The maximum BOD value observed in the Yamuna river stretch in Delhi was 83 mg/L, which is at least 27 times the permitted level.
- The monitoring locations in Delhi included Palla, Wazirabad, ISBT Bridge, ITO Bridge, Nizamuddin, Okhla after meeting Shahdara drain, and Asgarpur village.
