(a) whether the pollution level of water in the major rivers of the
country is very high resulting in rise in water borne diseases and deaths therefrom;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/being taken by the
Government in this regard; and
(c) the funds spent thereon during the last three years?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND
FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)
(a) & (b) According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the downstream
of rivers of the cities and towns located at the banks of the rivers are
showing water quality deterioration with reference to Dissolved Oxygen,
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and coliform bacteria. The prime cause of
such deterioration is on account of disposal of sewage. Health effects
could be associated with water pollution. However, there is no conclusive
data available to confirm these figures.
Ministry of Environment and Forests is supplementing the efforts
of the State Governments in abatement of pollution in rivers through the
centrally sponsored National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), which presently
covers 41 rivers in 191 towns spread over 20 States. Pollution abatement
schemes implemented under the Plan include interception, diversion and
treatment of sewage; low cost sanitation works on river banks; electric/improved
wood based crematoria etc. Sewage treatment capacity of 4704 mld (million
litres per day) has been created under this scheme.
(c) An amount of Rs.1387.68 crore has been released under NRCP to various
State implementing agencies during the last 3 years and current year.