From 351 in 2018 to 296 in 2025: No. of polluted river stretches declining

NEW DELHI: Number of polluted river stretches in country has shown a consistent decline from 351 in 2018 to 311 in 2022 and further to 296 in 2025, shows an assessment report of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released Monday.

Two or more polluted locations identified on a river in a continuous sequence are defined as Polluted River Stretch (PRS). Stretches where biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) exceeds 3mg/l are identified as polluted stretches. BOD beyond prescribed levels affects health of aquatic life. A stretch where BOD concentration exceeds 30mg/l is categorised as most polluted stretch.

The 2025 assessment, based on river water quality data of 2022 and 2023 at 2,116 locations on rivers across country, shows 37 of 296 PRS were classified as most polluted. This number, however, has dropped from 46 in 2022. These 37 stretches were identified across 14 states, with five each in TN, UP and Uttarakhand; four in Gujarat; and three in Karnataka.

Yamuna's stretch from Palla to Asgarpur in Delhi, Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Chambal's stretch from Nagda to Gandhisagar dam in MP, & stretches of Tungabadhra and Sarabanga in Karnataka and TN, respectively, were among most notable PRS during the assessment period. Jhelum in J&K; Ganga, Ramrekha and Sikrahna in Bihar; Hasdeo and Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh; Sal and Mapusa in Goa; Cauvery and Tungabhadra in Karnataka; Periyar in Kerala; and Amba & Savitri in Maharashtra are among prominent rivers where PRS were seen to have deteriorated in water quality.

The report, at the same time, observed improvement in water quality in 220 stretches that were identified as PRS in 2018. "Of the 220 PRS, 149 river stretches are not identified as polluted stretches due to compliance with BOD criterion," said the report.

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