CPCB 2023 river water quality: 296 polluted stretches
Why in the news
The Central Pollution Control Board brought out its 2023 river water quality review, using Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) as the benchmark.
Key facts
| Measure | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Unfit river locations | 815 | 807 |
| Polluted River Stretches (PRS) | 311 on 279 rivers | 296 on 271 rivers |
| Priority 1 stretches (BOD above 30 mg/litre) | 45 | 37 |
- Norm: BOD above 3 mg/litre = not fit for bathing.
- Monitoring network: 4,736 locations covering rivers, lakes, creeks, drains and canals.
State-wise PRS, 2023
- Maharashtra 54 (highest), Kerala 31, Madhya Pradesh 18, Manipur 18, Karnataka 14.
- Priority 1 leaders in 2023: Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, 5 each; in 2022: Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, 6 each.
Exam angle
- Indicator: BOD; threshold 3 mg/litre.