Maharashtra Leads in River Pollution | 23 Sep 2025

Why in News?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified a significant issue with polluted river stretches in India, particularly in Maharashtra, which continues to have the highest number of affected rivers. 

• Despite a marginal reduction in polluted river stretches nationwide, Mumbai’s rivers remain some of the most severely polluted, primarily due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and solid waste dumping.

Key Findings

• Maharashtra's Status: The state has 54 polluted river stretches, the highest in the country. The most polluted stretches are concentrated in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including rivers like the Mithi, Dahisar, Poisar, Oshiwara, and Ulhas.
• Mithi River's Plight: Despite multiple rejuvenation efforts, Mithi continues to be one of Mumbai's most polluted rivers. It carries excessive pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste, leading to a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) above safe limits.
• Pollution Levels: The CPCB classifies rivers based on BOD levels. In Mumbai, many rivers exceed 20 mg/L, far surpassing the safe limit of 3 mg/L. The CPCB's priority categories, from Priority I (most polluted) to Priority V (least polluted), highlight the critical need for intervention, with several stretches in Maharashtra falling under higher priority levels.
• National Trends: Across India, the number of polluted river stretches decreased from 311 to 296. However, Maharashtra's contribution remains significant, with 54 out of 296 stretches. Other states, including Delhi, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, also have severely polluted stretches, particularly in the Yamuna, Sabarmati, and Chambal rivers.
• Action Plans and Measures:
  • NGT's Intervention: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had intervened in 2018, taking suo motu cognizance of the CPCB's findings. The NGT ordered states to prepare action plans for river rejuvenation, resulting in the formation of committees in Maharashtra and other affected states.
  • CPCB Directives: The CPCB has urged states to enhance sewage treatment, floodplain protection, and river catchment management, emphasizing the urgent need for expanding sewage plants and tightening industrial effluent monitoring.
  • National Water Quality Monitoring Programme: The CPCB monitors 2,155 locations across 645 rivers, with the program aiming to improve water quality and track the effectiveness of pollution control measures.