004. National | Environment
Pollution Crisis in the Ghaggar River: A Threat to Heritage and Health
Introduction
The Ghaggar River, which flows through India and Pakistan, has become a major environmental concern due to rising pollution levels. A recent report by a joint committee formed under the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revealed alarming data, including high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels that render the river unfit for bathing. The findings also spotlight pollution in its tributary, the Sukhna Choe, particularly affecting communities in Chandigarh and surrounding areas.
🧠 What is BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)?
BOD is a measure of the amount of oxygen that microorganisms need to break down organic waste in water. It’s used to determine how polluted a river or lake is.
🔍 Key Elements
- Oxygen Demand: Higher BOD means more oxygen is being used up by bacteria.
- Water Pollution Indicator: A key tool to measure how dirty a river is.
- Threat to Aquatic Life: High BOD lowers available oxygen for fish and other species.
🌍 Where is it Used?
- Water quality testing in rivers, lakes, and sewage plants.
- Environmental reports by agencies like the CPCB, NGT, and Pollution Control Boards.
- Assessing pollution levels before declaring water bodies fit for bathing or drinking.
✅ Why It Matters
- 🐟 Low BOD = Clean water and healthy aquatic life.
- 🚱 High BOD = Polluted, oxygen-starved rivers unsafe for humans and wildlife.
- 📊 Helps governments take timely action to reduce water pollution.
Pollution Sources and Findings
A detailed survey and sampling operation was carried out along the Ghaggar River and Sukhna Choe by the joint committee. The report revealed:
- BOD levels were 2–3 times higher than permissible limits
- Key sampling points: Raipur Khurd and Baltana bridge
- Elevated levels of total suspended solids (TSS) and organic pollutants
- Primary pollution sources:
- Untreated sewage from slums and urban runoff
- Improper waste disposal into drains and culverts
These findings indicate a serious threat to the river’s ecosystem and its usability by the local population.
Impact on Local Communities
The river’s polluted condition has significant consequences for the communities living nearby:
- Residents depend on the Ghaggar and Sukhna Choe for bathing, washing, and other daily activities
- Health risks include skin infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and long-term contamination exposure
- Unregulated waste disposal by nearby slum settlements worsens the situation
The joint committee urged local authorities to take immediate corrective measures.
Recommendations by the Committee
To reduce pollution and improve water quality, the following actions were recommended:
- 🧹 Regular drain cleaning by the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh
- 🛑 Installation of iron nets at culvert outlets to trap solid waste
- 🔄 Periodic monitoring of water quality
- 🚮 Awareness campaigns to prevent public dumping near the riverbanks
These steps are aimed at restoring ecological balance and making the river safe for public use.
Historical Significance of the Ghaggar River
Beyond its environmental role, the Ghaggar holds immense historical value:
- Many scholars believe it is connected to the Vedic Saraswati River
- Archaeological evidence from Indus Valley Civilization settlements has been found along its banks
- It may have once received flow from major rivers like the Sutlej and Yamuna, which have since shifted course
Geographical and Seasonal Characteristics
- 🌄 Origin: Shivalik Hills
- 🗺️ Course: Flows through Haryana and Rajasthan, then fades into the Thar Desert
- 🌧️ Type: Intermittent river – flows only during the monsoon season
- 🏞️ Tributaries: Kaushalya, Markanda, Sarsuti, Tangri, and Chautang
Due to its seasonal nature, the Ghaggar is sometimes referred to as a “dead river”, dependent on rainfall for revival.
Conclusion
The Ghaggar River’s pollution crisis is not just an environmental issue — it’s a matter of public health, historical legacy, and ecological sustainability. With timely action and community engagement, there’s still hope to restore this ancient river to health. The responsibility lies not only with governments but with each one of us.
