Rivers of Aruchal free from pollution: CGWB, CWC

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Jan 31: As per Central Ground Water Board and Central Water Commission investigation, the major rivers of Aruchal Pradesh are free from pollution and also the ground water is of excellent quality with all the parameters within permissible limits.

This was disclosed by K Ramand, Scientist, Central Ground Water Board, North Eastern Region, Guwahati while addressing a function to distribute the prizes to the winners of the state level painting competition organized by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) at harlagun yesterday.

This situation, however, may change in the near future with rapid urbanisation and increase in population, he said, adding that the iron content in Doimukh area of Papum Pare district is beyond the permissible limits of 0.3mg/litre.

Local sand filters and iron filtration plants are being used for supply of iron free water, he said and called for greater public cooperation to keep ground water and rivers free from pollution.

Explaining the causes of ground water and river pollution in India, he informed that urbanization has been the main cause of water pollution as sewerage system of the country is not satisfactory.

As per CPCB report, only about 40-50% of the population of the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cheni and Bangalore are served by sewer systems.

R K Kalita, Scientist, CGWB mentioned that there was no major water quality issue in the state except localized occurrence of iron.

However, rivers like Pachin flowing through densely populated areas have become a waste disposal site and it needs to be tackled. Local MLA Techi Kaso, who was also invited for the programme, urged to maintain a clean and healthy environment by nurturing clean habit. He said rivers can be saved from pollution only when we stop throwing waste and garbage into the drain.

He also emphasized that private drillers should submit drilling information either to Central Ground Water Board or Water Resources Department which will help the departments to effectively monitor the ground water scerio of the area. He also emphasized the need to use galvanized steel pipes in drinking water tube wells.

S Bhattacharjee, artist and jury member said that art is the true medium to aware people about different social problems, and the save water from pollution concept may spread all over the state by the creative works of the students.

The first prize winner would be called to New Delhi to take part in the tiol Level Painting Competition.