Deterioration in Water Quality due to discharge

 CPCB  identified 150 polluted stretches of rivers in the country

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with State Pollution Control Boards monitor water quality of rivers, lakes and groundwater at 1429 stations in the country. In Himachal Pradesh, water quality of rivers is monitored at 54 locations on Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Tons rivers.

 Water quality data of these rivers reveal that they are meeting the water quality criteria except at few locations. Based on the water quality monitoring, CPCB has identified 150 polluted stretches of rivers in the country. A statement indicating the number of polluted stretches of rivers state-wise is given in the Annexure.

The Government has taken several steps to prevent pollution of water bodies which includes regulation of effluents and sewage under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, setting up of common effluent treatment plants for small scale industries and promotion of clean technologies. Interception, diversion and treatment of sewage are being taken for pollution abatement under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).

The Plan covers 167 towns along polluted stretches of 38 rivers spread over 20 States. So far sewage treatment capacity of about 4000 million litres per day has been created in the country under the Plan. Creation of civic infrastructure for sewage management and disposal are also being implemented under other central schemes, such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns, as well as under state schemes.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance Shrimati Namo Narain Meena who is looking other the Ministry of Environment and forests in a written reply to a question by Shrimati Viplove Thakur in Rajya Sabha today.