NEW DELHI, Dec 21 - Confirming widespread pollution of the rivers in Assam, the Centre said that water quality criteria in 28 river stretches at 42 locations have been identified as polluted in the State, including the stretches of Deepor Beel, Bharalu, Buridihing and the Brahmaputra.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in association with Assam Pollution Control Board is monitoring the water quality of rivers and other water bodies in Assam.
In a Rajya Sabha reply to a question by Naznin Faroque, Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat said water quality monitoring is conducted at 101 locations covering 28 rivers, two lakes, one tank, 23 ponds and 32 ground sources.
Based on the monitoring results and the water quality criteria, 28 river stretches at 42 locations have been identified as polluted in Assam, including stretches of Deepor Beel, Bharalu, Buridihing and Brahmaputra.
It is the responsibility of the State Government and concerned local bodies to set up proper facilities for collection and treatment of sewage being generated and ensure that untreated sewage does not fall into the rivers, thereby polluting them.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is supplementing the efforts of the State Government in pollution abatement in identified stretches of various rivers through the Centrally-sponsored National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) for implementation of projects on cost-sharing basis between the Central and State governments, he said.
