This post presents reports on the status of water quality in India by the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. These reports present the outputs of water quality monitoring done under the project on Monitoring of Indian Aquatic Resources (MINARS).
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has established a network of monitoring stations on rivers across the country. The monitoring has been performed with following main objectives in mind -
- For rational planning of pollution control strategies and their prioritisation;
- To assess nature and extent of pollution control needed in different water bodies or their part;
- To evaluate effectiveness of pollution control measures already is existence;
- To evaluate water quality trend over a period of time;
- To assess assimilative capacity of a water body thereby reducing cost on pollution control;
- To understand the environmental fate of different pollutants;
- To assess the fitness of water for different uses.
The reports are comprehensive accounts of the state of surface and ground water resources in India. In addition to analyses of the state of water quality, trends over the last few years are also illustrated through graphs. In addition, a large quantity of raw data is published which will be of immense help to the researcher.
The water samples are analysed for 9 core parameters and 19 general parameters. The monitoring agencies have also analysed the trace metals at few locations. In the present report data on core parameters is incorporated for interpretation and drawing of conclusion based on primary water quality criteria. However, this means that the occurence of 'trace metals' such as Arsenic are not reported. This is a shortcoming in an otherwise comprehensive report as Arsenic and Fluoride poisoning are serious concerns that affect thousands today.
Download the reports below.
Post By: Rama Mani