The enforced 21-day lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in pollution levels in the Kaveri river and its tributaries, as reported by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). It is expected that this might be a temporary respite from the pollution that these rivers have been subjected to, owing to a mix of residential, industrial, religious, and construction wastes. The impact of this decrease in pollution will be tested at the regional laboratory in Mysore, under the national ‘Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources’ programme and the Global Environmental Monitoring Scheme.
A Rundown on the Pre-lockdown Pollutants
Before the lockdown, the Kaveri river and its tributaries were subject to numerous pollutants. Untreated sewage from residential areas, industrial waste, religious debris from pilgrims, and construction rubble significantly contributed to the river’s degradation. These pollutants resulted in an unhealthy concentration of harmful elements such as lead, fluoride, faecal coliform, and certain suspended solids in the river water.
Impact of Lockdown on River Pollution
The enforced prohibition of industrial and religious activities during the lockdown has led to a considerable reduction in pollutant levels. The absence of these activities has significantly lessened the influx of harmful waste into the rivers, thereby improving their quality of water.
About the Kaveri River
The Kaveri river is considered a sacred lifeline of Southern India. The river springs from the Brahmagiri range in the Western Ghats and falls into the Bay of Bengal south of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. With a total length of about 760 km, it carves out the sacred islands of Srirangapatna and Shivanasamudra, beautified by the Shivanasamudra falls and a wide delta. Its main tributaries include Amravati, Bhavani, Hemavati, Kabini, Shimsha, and Lakshmana Tirtha. The Kaveri’s basin drains parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Global Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS)
Established in 1975 at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, GEMS is a global initiative that collates data to improve our understanding and protection of the Earth’s environment. It operates with the cooperation of multiple countries, each contributing crucial information to the system.
Monitoring of Indian National Aquatic Resources (MINARS)
MINARS is a national programme launched in 1984 dedicated towards monitoring India’s aquatic resources. Initially starting with 113 stations spread over 10 river basins, it has now expanded to 870 stations covering rivers, lentic water bodies, and subsurface waters.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024