Bhopal Lakes' Water Unfit for Drinking | 18 Jul 2025

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) has reported that water in several lakes of Bhopal, famously known as the City of Lakes, is contaminated. 

Key Points 

• Water Quality Assessment by MPPCB: 
  • The MPPCB conducted a water quality analysis of major lakes in Bhopal over a four-month period from January to April. 
  • The lakes were categorized into different water quality classes ranging from A to C, based on pollution levels and potential usage. 
    • Class A: Fit for drinking without conventional treatment (only disinfection). 
    • Class B: Fit for outdoor bathing. 
    • Class C: Drinking water source only after conventional treatment and disinfection. 
• Status of Major Lakes in Bhopal: 
  • Upper Lake: It is a major source of drinking water for Bhopal, was found to be consistently in Class B category. 
    • The Class B rating indicates that water is suitable only for outdoor bathing, not direct consumption. 
  • Lower Lake: The Lower Lake was found to be more polluted than the Upper Lake and was consistently rated as Class C. 
    • Water requires full treatment and disinfection before it can be used for drinking 
  • Shahpura Lake: Shahpura Lake remained in Class C throughout the January to April assessment period. 
    • The consistent pollution levels make the lake water unfit for direct use and require full treatment before consumption. 
  • Hataikheda Dam: The water quality of Hataikheda Dam was also classified under Class C during all four months. 
    • The water here is not fit for drinking without proper treatment. 
    • It is constructed on the Kolar River. 
  • Kaliyasoat Dam: It is constructed on the Kaliasot River in Bhopal. It was rated in Class A for the months of March and April, and Class B for January and February. 
    • The water was clean enough for drinking with minimal treatment during part of the assessment period. 
  • Kerwa Dam: It showed similar trends, being rated as Class A in March and April and Class B in January and February. 
    • It was constructed on Kerwa river near Bhopal city. 
• Key Pollution Indicators: 
  • Presence of Total Coliform Bacteria: Found to be above designated limits in multiple lakes. It indicates contamination from human excreta. 
  • Sewage Inflow: Untreated sewage entering lakes is a major contributor to the contamination.