Biochemical oxygen demand levels of irrigation water reach alarming heights
The rampant release of untreated waste has led to a severe increase in the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels in the Yamuna and irrigation canals in the Faridabad and Palwal districts. Sources in the district administration reveal that BOD levels are now 400-500% above the permissible limits due to ineffective monitoring and inadequate preventive measures.
What NGT guidelines say…
BOD standard: 10 mg/litre
Current BOD Levels: 35-40 mg/litre; some Yamuna points exceed 50 mg/litre
Cause: Untreated industrial and chemical waste
Impact: Zero dissolved oxygen, aquatic life destruction and foul smell
As per the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) guidelines, the BOD standard for water is 10 milligrams per litre. However, recent water samples indicate levels between 35 and 40 at most points, with some locations in the Yamuna peaking at 50 milligrams per litre. “The release of untreated waste not only increases BOD levels but also reduces dissolved oxygen (DO) levels to zero, wiping out aquatic life and causing a strong stench,” said Dr Shiv Singh Rawat, retired senior official of the Irrigation Department.
BOD measures the oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water. Experts note that high BOD levels point to a failure in wastewater treatment and sewage management. According to officials, the untreated industrial and chemical waste entering water bodies has been a persistent issue.
The Yamuna stretches for 100 km through Faridabad and Palwal, while the Agra and Gurugram canals, originating from the Okhla Barrage in New Delhi, run 70 to 80 km before reaching Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Residents, including Narender Sirohi, emphasise the urgent need for more Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and stricter enforcement against violators. “Strict action must be taken to prevent the unauthorised disposal of untreated waste,” he said.
Arvind Sharma, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in the Irrigation Department, said while no complaints have emerged from his jurisdiction, violations of the Canal Act are prosecutable offences. Sandeep Singh, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said water samples are collected regularly and reports submitted to relevant authorities.
The onus of monitoring lies with the Irrigation Department and the HSPCB, while civic bodies are tasked with preventing unauthorised waste disposal. However, the situation continues to deteriorate due to lax enforcement and rising pollution levels.
