Water Quality Monitoring in Kadambrayar and Periyar Rivers

Overview

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) conducted water quality monitoring along the Kadambrayar and Periyar rivers as part of the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. The focus was on assessing faecal contamination across different monitoring stations.

Monitoring Stations and Findings

• Manakkakadavu Station:
  • Recorded the highest total coliform level at 7,900 MPN/100 ml, indicating significant faecal contamination.
  • Exceeds the CPCB’s prescribed maximum of 2,500 MPN/100 ml for outdoor bathing.
• Brahmapuram Station:
  • Total coliform level recorded was 2,600 MPN/100 ml.
• Periyar River Stations:
  • Eloor: 1,500 MPN/100 ml
  • Pathalam: 2,400 MPN/100 ml
  • Kalamassery: 2,100 MPN/100 ml

Previous Findings

The CPCB's monitoring between January and December 2024 revealed non-compliance at 13 monitoring stations along the Periyar river in Idukki, Thrissur, and Ernakulam districts. The parameters failing to meet the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 included:

• Dissolved oxygen
• pH levels
• Biochemical oxygen demand
• Faecal coliform
• Faecal streptococci