Contrary to the expectations, while coronavirus-induced lockdown did not help improve Ganga’s water quality, experts have asserted saying that, in fact, it deteriorated. Release of sewage and no fresh water discharge from the upstream is said to be the reason for the deterioration.
In fact, Ganga is not alone. The water quality of Beas, Chambal, Sutlej and Swarnarekha also did not comply with the primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing during the lockdown period since March, this year, as per a new report by the Central Pollution Control Board.
In contrast, seven out of 19 major rivers in India recorded an improvement in water quality in April during the nationwide lockdown period, said the report released on Wednesday.
The report titled, “Assessment of Impact of Lockdown on Water Quality of Major Rivers”, attributed the worsening report card of the Ganges to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage, negligible or dry seasonal flow that increases concentration of pollution and no fresh water discharges from the upstream.
The river’s water quality had worsened in many stretches, the analysis suggested noting that the Ganges’ compliance with primary water quality reduced from 64.6 per cent to 46.2 per cent during the lockdown period.
The report said that seven out of 19 major rivers in India recorded an improvement in water quality in April during the nationwide lockdown period, which was enforced for 68 days from March 25 in a bid to contain the viral outbreak.
The seven rivers that showed an improvement in water quality include Brahmani. The primary water quality criteria such as taking outdoor baths in Brahmani improved from 85 % during the pre-lockdown period to 100% when the restrictions were in place.
The corresponding improvement for the other six rivers are: Brahmaputra (87.5 per cent to 100 per cent); Cauvery (90.5 per cent to 96.97 per cent); Godavari (65.8 per cent to 78.4 per cent); Krishna (84.6 per cent to 94.4 per cent); Tapi (77.8 per cent to 87.5 per cent) and Yamuna (42.8 per cent to 66.67 per cent).
The report attributed the worsening report card of the Ganges to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage; negligible or dry seasonal flow that increases concentration of pollution and no fresh water discharges from the upstream.
Baitarani, Mahanadi, Narmada and Pennar rivers were 100 per cent compliant as far as taking outdoor baths were concerned.