CPCB Report on River Pollution
Why it Matters?
The report is released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
The number of locations in Indian rivers unfit to bathe saw an incremental dip to 807 in 2023 from 815 in 2022, according to a report.
What you should know?
The key parameter used to measure organic pollution is Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
A BOD level greater than 3 mg/L is considered unfit for bathing.
A Polluted River Stretch (PRS) is identified when two or more locations on a river show BOD levels above the prescribed limit in a continuous sequence.
Key Findings:
Maharashtra (54) had the highest number of PRS or locations followed by Kerala (31), Madhya Pradesh and Manipur with 18 each, and Karnataka (14). However, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand had the highest number-five-of stretches or locations in ‘Priority 1’.
Indicator
2023 Report Findings
2022 Report Findings (for comparison)
Total Polluted River Stretches (PRS)
296
311
Total Number of Rivers with PRS
271
279
State with Highest PRS
Maharashtra (54 PRS)
Maharashtra (55 PRS)
Number of 'Priority I' Stretches
37
45
Note:
The most polluted stretches are classified as 'Priority I' where the BOD level exceeds 30 mg/L.