CPCB Report on Polluted River Sites
Key Findings
The number of locations in Indian rivers unfit to bathe saw an incremental dip to 807 in 2023 from 815 in 2022, according to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Polluted river locations (unfit for bathing, BOD > 3 mg/l):
2023 → 807
2022 → 815 (slight reduction).
Polluted River Stretches (PRS):Two continuous locations exceeding the criterion in a single river is counted as a ‘polluted river stretch’ (PRS).
2023 → 296 PRS in 271 rivers
2022 → 311 PRS in 279 rivers
PRS with a BOD exceeding 30 mg per litre are considered ‘Priority 1’, meaning, the most polluted and thus needing urgent remediation. In the latest assessment, the number of ‘Priority 1’ stretches reduced to 37 from 45 over the 2022 assessment.
State-wise Data (2023)
Highest PRS: Maharashtra (54).
Next: Kerala (31), Madhya Pradesh (18), Manipur (18), Karnataka (14).
Highest Priority-1 stretches: Tamil Nadu (5), Uttar Pradesh (5), Uttarakhand (5).
State-wise Data (2022)
Highest PRS: Maharashtra (55).
Next: MP (19), Bihar (18), Kerala (18), Karnataka (17), UP (17).
Highest Priority-1 stretches: Gujarat (6), Uttar Pradesh (6).
Monitoring Framework
BOD is proxy for organic matter dissolved in water with a low number indicating a healthy river.
A BOD greater than 3 milligrams per litre indicates rising pollution and is considered unfit for bathing.
Significance
Positive trend: Slight fall in polluted sites and Priority-1 stretches.
Concerns: Still 807 river sites unfit for bathing → sewage discharge, industrial effluents, poor waste management.
Policy link: Namami Gange, Jal Jeevan Mission, National Water Mission.
Exam relevance: GS-3 (Environment & Pollution Control, River Health).