As per the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) 2025 report on ‘Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality', two polluted river stretches have been identified in Maharashtra, one in Assam and four in Gujarat, where the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels exceed 30 mg/l.

CPCB identifies polluted river stretches in the rivers across the country in association with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) under National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. Implementation of various pollution abatement programmes, including National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) scheme, has led to a reduction in the number of Polluted River Stretches (PRS) from 351 in 2018 to 296 in 2025.

It has been observed that CPRS have been decreased from 45 (2018) to 37 (2025). Further, 149 PRSs have been delisted and improvement in the water quality of 71 polluted river stretches has been observed as compared to the CPCB's report of 2018.

The Government, through the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and in coordination with the concerned State Governments, implements a series of preventive and mitigative measures to safeguard the water quality of river Ganga during large religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh and Magh Mela.

These measures include providing partial financial assistance, augmentation of sewage treatment infrastructure, provision of adequate temporary sanitation facilities, establishment of solid waste management systems, regulation of effluent discharges from Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) and organising continuous water quality monitoring. Awareness campaigns to sensitize pilgrims and deployment of enforcement teams to check polluting activities at Prayagraj.

Besides, Prayagraj Mela Authority prepared a comprehensive Sanitation Plan for Maha Kumbh 2025 that included Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs) to ensure accountability and performance, post-Mela sanitation measures and laying of temporary drainage lines.

 In addition, based on the post event learnings, corrective actions and planning improvements are implemented for future events including enhanced reuse strategies, improved disinfection protocols and structured redeployment of sanitation infrastructure.

Further, the CPCB carried out water quality monitoring at five stations (twice a week) from 12th January 2025 to 20th February 2025 during Maha Kumbh 2025 at Shringverpur Ghat, Lord Curzon Bridge, Nagvasuki Mandir, Sangam and Deeha Ghat, covering auspicious bathing (Amrit Snan) days.

As per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974, all industrial units and other establishments generating trade effluents, are required to comply with the stipulated standards before discharging into rivers and water bodies. CPCB, SPCBs/PCCs monitor industries to ensure compliance of the provisions of the said Acts and take necessary action accordingly.

As per CPCB, there are total of 4493 industries under Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs), out of which, 3633 number of industries were operational and 860 industries had closed down on their own. Amongst the operational industries, 3031 industries were reported to be complying with the environmental standards, while show-cause notices issued to 572 industries, closure directions issued to 29 non-complying industries and direction issued to 1 unit.

The information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.         

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ND

(Lok Sabha US Q881)

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2198916) आगंतुक पटल : 70