Mithi, Dahisar, Poisar, Oshiwara, and Ulhas Rivers All Remain In Most Polluted Category: CPCB Report

According to a new assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Mumbai’s rivers remain among the most polluted in the country. The report also shows that Maharashtra has 54 polluted rivers, which is the highest in India. 

The report highlights that the Mithi River, which flows from Powai and Vihar lakes into Mahim Creek, is one of the most polluted. Despite repeated cleaning drives, the water remains unsafe and of poor quality. The Dahisar, Poisar, Oshiwara, and Ulhas rivers are also badly affected. 

The CPCB defines polluted stretches as parts of rivers where biochemical oxygen demand, or BOD, is above 3 milligrams per litre. High BOD levels show more organic pollution and pose risks to aquatic life. Two or more consecutive polluted areas on the same river are treated as one polluted stretch.

Pollution is caused by the dumping of garbage, untreated sewage, and industrial waste. At the national level, the number of polluted river stretches has shown a slight decline. The figure has dropped from 311 to 296.

The latest report reviewed 2,116 water quality sites across the country during 2022 and 2023. A total of 296 polluted stretches were recorded on 271 rivers spread over 32 states and union territories. The previous report, released in 2022, was based on data from 2019 and 2021. The year 2020 was excluded due to the pandemic.

The National Green Tribunal had taken notice of the CPCB’s river pollution findings in 2018. It directed the Centre and state governments to prepare action plans for river rejuvenation. As a result, committees were formed to design strategies to reduce pollution.

At present, CPCB is monitoring the water quality at 2,155 locations on 645 rivers across India under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. It happens in coordination with state pollution control boards. 

Now, the CPCB has asked governments to focus on floodplain protection, treatment of wastewater, and management of river basins and catchments. It has also reminded them to continue implementing action plans for river restoration.