Question : CLEANING OF RIVERS

(a) the details about the pollution level of various rivers in the country including Maharashtra and the action taken by the Government for the cleaning of each river including the Studies conducted to assess the reasons for river pollution;

(b) whether it has been revealed in the studies conducted that the river water has become so poisonous that aquatic life has been destroyed and has become a cause for cancer, bone deformity and paralysis among its users/nearby residents;

(c) if so, the details thereof, river-wise; and

(d) the steps taken to make the water of rivers potable including guidelines issued and awareness programme conducted by the Government in this regard along with the funds allocated and target date fixed by the Government for cleaning of rivers?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)

(a) Population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization combined with abstraction of water for irrigation, industries and other uses lead to increase in pollution load of rivers. Discharge of untreated and partially treated industrial & municipal wastewater from towns along the rivers constitutes the major source of pollution in rivers. Based on Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, a key indicator of organic pollution, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 150 polluted stretches along various rivers in the country, including 28 stretches in Maharashtra, State-wise details of identified polluted river stretches are at Annexure.

(b) & (c) No such specific study has been conducted by this Ministry. However, direct use of bacterial contaminated river water without proper treatment may cause water borne diseases.

(d) The Union Budget 2014-15 has set up an Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission namely “NamamiGange” with an allocation of Rs. 2037 Crores for Ganga Rejuvenation, including its tributaries and also towards National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) for other rivers in the country. The plan for Ganga Rejuvenation provides for a Short-term, Medium-term and a Long-term action plan, which also includes awareness generation for community participation.

Pollution abatement works have been taken up under NRCP in 7 towns in Maharashtra along polluted stretches of Krishna, Panchganga, Godavari&Tapi in Maharashtra at a sanctioned cost of Rs.192.60 crore. Sewage treatment capacity of 233 mld has been created under NRCP in these towns.

The guidelines for acceptable water quality levels are prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board based on the designated best use.