CPCB identifies 60 pollution river stretches in northeastern states

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National News

Feb 20, 2020

1:02PM

CPCB identifies 60 pollution river stretches in northeastern states

@CPCB_OFFICIAL

The Central Pollution Board (CPCB) has identified 60 pollution river stretches based on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in different northeastern states. The annual statement on the state of affairs in the environment and development sector published by Delhi based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed the study. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the CSE team released the report on the 9th of this month.

According to the report, CPCB has identified over 350 polluted river stretches across India and the number continues to grow.

The report said the polluted river stretches in the northeastern states are Bharalu, Basistha, Kolong, Boko and Kopili in Assam; Wahumkhrah, Umshyrpi, Waikhyrwi, Rawaka, Kmai-um, Um-Mynkseh, Umpai, Mynkseh and Sarbang in Meghalaya; Nambul and Kongba in Manipur; Chite in Mizioram; Dhansiri in Nagaland and Gumti in Tripura.

The study found out that the discharge of industrial and mining effluent and dumping of waste has been identified as the major causes of pollution of these stretches, which are mostly located near towns and cities.

The report further said that more than 60% of the country’s sewage is released into the streams and rivers untreated. Consequently, half of the rivers in the country is now polluted with the Ganga, Sabarmati, and Yamuna being the most polluted.

It said the 2018 Niti Aayog report on composite water management index shows that nearly 70 percent freshwater in the country is contaminated and more than 600 million people face high to the extreme water crisis. The report further said that the northeast, which boasts of nearly 30% of the country’s water resources besides a low population density, it faces acute water shortage in many parts.

It also said India stands a poor 120th among 122 countries on the Water Quality Index based on the availability of clean and sufficient water.