Yamuna River Pollution Levels Remain Alarmingly High Despite Slight Improvement
Yamuna pollution indicator slightly better in April but exceeds safe limits
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
In April, faecal coliform levels in the Yamuna River, New Delhi, decreased slightly but still reached 310,000 MPN/100ml, significantly exceeding the safe limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) also remained alarmingly high at 58 mg/l, nearly 20 times the safe limit, indicating ongoing pollution issues.
- 01Faecal coliform levels in the Yamuna River peaked at 310,000 MPN/100ml in April.
- 02The biological oxygen demand (BOD) reached 58 mg/l, close to 20 times the safe limit.
- 03Pollution levels are expected to remain high until the monsoon season.
- 04The Sahibabad drain was the worst affected, with a BOD of 180 mg/l.
- 05Delhi Pollution Control Committee plans to implement 41 real-time monitoring systems for better assessment.
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According to the latest report from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the Yamuna River in New Delhi showed a slight improvement in faecal coliform levels, which dropped to 310,000 MPN/100ml in April from 400,000 MPN/100ml in March. However, this figure is still alarmingly above the safe limit of 2,500 MPN/100ml. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) also remained critically high at 58 mg/l, nearly 20 times the safe threshold of 3 mg/l. These pollution levels are exacerbated during the lean season when reduced water flow leads to accumulation of sewage and pollutants. The report indicated that the highest levels of both BOD and faecal coliform were recorded at Asgarpur, where the river exits Delhi, highlighting the impact of urban sewage on the river's health. Despite a slight reduction in faecal coliform compared to last year, the BOD levels have increased. The DPCC noted that no major drain entering the Yamuna met the BOD standard of 30 mg/l, with the Sahibabad drain being the most polluted at 180 mg/l. Experts warn that the river's water quality will continue to decline until the onset of the monsoon season, which temporarily alleviates pollution but does not resolve the underlying issues. The DPCC is set to enhance monitoring with the introduction of 41 real-time online monitoring systems to better track the river's water quality.
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The ongoing high pollution levels in the Yamuna River affect the health of local communities relying on the river for water and sanitation.
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