Pollution Status of Gujarat Rivers
Recent data from the Union government reveals that thirteen stretches of rivers in Gujarat are officially classified as polluted. The Sabarmati river stretch between Raysan and Vautha is the most contaminated. This assessment is based on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), a key measure of organic pollution in water. The number of polluted river stretches has reduced from twenty in 2018 to thirteen in 2022, showing some progress.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
BOD measures the oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water. A higher BOD indicates more organic waste and less oxygen available for aquatic life. The Sabarmati river stretch recorded a BOD of 292 mg per litre, marking it as severely polluted. Other polluted stretches fall into categories from Priority I (worst) to Priority V (least polluted).
Sources of Pollution in Gujarat Rivers
The main causes of river pollution in Gujarat include untreated or partially treated sewage from urban areas, industrial effluents, dumping of solid waste, and agricultural run-off. Problems in sewage and effluent treatment plants and lack of adequate water dilution worsen the pollution. Rapid urbanisation and industrial growth have intensified these challenges.
Government Initiatives
To address river pollution, the government sanctioned pollution abatement schemes for the Sabarmati, Tapi, and Mindhola rivers with a total budget of Rs 1,875.29 crore. These projects have created sewage treatment capacity of 697 million litres per day (MLD). The Union government emphasises that state and local bodies bear the primary responsibility for treating sewage and industrial waste before discharge.
Long-Term Policies and Sustainable Water Management
The government is focused on formulating long-term policies to prevent further pollution and ensure sustainable water resources. These policies consider the impact of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. Efforts include improving operation and maintenance of treatment plants, stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, and promoting community participation in river conservation.
Reduction in Polluted River Stretches
Between 2018 and 2022, the number of polluted river stretches in Gujarat decreased from 20 to 13. This indicates progress in pollution control measures. However, the severity of pollution in certain stretches, especially the Sabarmati, remains a concern requiring continuous monitoring and action.
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