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When discussing pollution in Tamil Nadu's rivers, the Adyar and Cooum rivers often come to mind. However, other rivers in the state also face severe pollution issues. These concerns were brought to the forefront during the Question Hour in the Budget Session of the Lok Sabha today.
In response to a query raised in the House, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav revealed the names of highly polluted rivers in Tamil Nadu. According to the minister, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified 311 polluted river stretches (PRS) in 2022, based on water quality data from 2019 and 2021. Among these, Tamil Nadu had 10 PRS across various priority classes, with Adyar, Cooum, Thirumanimuthar, and Vasishta rivers falling under Priority I due to their critical pollution levels.Polluted River Stretches in Tamil Nadu
The details of the Priority I polluted river stretches in Tamil Nadu are as follows:
| S No | River Name | Poll River Stretch/Location | Max BOD Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adyar | Tambaram to Nandanam | 40.0 |
| 2 | Cooum | Avadi to Sathya Nagar | 345.0 |
| 3 | Thirumanimuthar | Along Salem | 56.0 |
| 4 | Vasishta | Along Salem | 230.0 |
The CPCB had earlier identified 351 polluted river stretches in 2018 using water quality data from 2016 and 2017. This included six PRS in Tamil Nadu, with the Kaveri River stretch from Mettur to Mayiladuthurai falling under Priority Class I due to a BOD level exceeding 30 mg/L.
CPCB's Rejuvenation Efforts for Polluted Rivers Identified in 2018
The River Rejuvenation Committee (RRC), formed by state governments and UT administrations, has prepared action plans for rejuvenating the polluted river stretches identified by CPCB in 2018. These plans aim to make the rivers fit for bathing purposes by reducing BOD levels to less than 3 mg/L and FC levels to below 500 MPN/100 mL. The RRC reviews the progress at the state level, while a Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) oversees it at the central level.
The Indian government has taken several measures to prevent and control water pollution. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 and various provisions under The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 have been enacted to protect water bodies. Both Central and State Pollution Control Boards implement these laws.
Government Initiatives for Water Pollution Control
The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) have been instructed under Section 18(1)(b) of The Water Act to direct relevant agencies within states or UTs to develop sewage treatment infrastructure. Additionally, the Government of India has set general discharge standards and industry-specific effluent discharge standards under the Environment (Protection) Rules of 1986 to curb water pollution.
The government's efforts include enacting laws like The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, which was passed in 1974, along with provisions under The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 aimed at safeguarding aquatic resources. These laws are enforced by both Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
The measures taken by the government reflect a comprehensive approach towards tackling water pollution across India’s rivers, ensuring cleaner water bodies for future generations.
