Standard Level of Pollution in Rivers

Standard Level of Pollution in Rivers

              Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) along with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) is monitoring water quality of rivers at 1275 locations on 445 rivers in 28 States and 6 Union Territories. Based on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) values (a key indicator for organic pollution), 150 river stretches on 121 rivers in the country have been identified by CPCB as polluted. Disposal of untreated sewage is one of the main sources of pollution in rivers. As per a study carried out by CPCB in 2009-10, against an estimated generation of nearly 38,254 million litres per day (mld) from Class-I cities and Class-II towns of the country, the treatment capacity is available only for 11,787 mld. This was stated by Dr. M.Veerappa Moily, Union Minister for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

            The Ministry has notified the desirable river water quality standards for bathing class are as under-

Parameter	Criteria/standards
pH	6.5-8.5
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	5 mg/l or more
BOD	3 mg/l or less
Fecal Coliform	500 MPN/100 ml (desirable) 2500 MPN/100 ml (Maximum permissible)

             

           

The Minister further stated that as per information provided by CPCB, 15 complaints were received during year 2013 regarding pollution of rivers due to discharge of effluents from industrial units including sugar mills. Action has been taken in cases of defaulting units under the Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act 1974 and under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. To control industrial effluents into the water bodies, CPCB and respective SPCBs/PCCs monitor industries with respect to effluents discharge standards and take action for non-compliance under the statutory provisions.

                             

RM/RS-  USQ3017 - LS

(Release ID :103372)