Lok Sabha Question No. 27 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-01-29
Subject: Critically Polluted River Stretches in Maharashtra
Ministry: JAL SHAKTI
Asked by: Dr. Kirsan Namdeo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI

## DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 27

ANSWERED ON 29.01.2026

## CRITICALLY POLLUTED RIVER STRETCHES IN MAHARASHTRA

## 27. Dr. KIRSAN NAMDEO:

Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:

(a)  the  current  number  of  Critically  Polluted  River  Stretches  (CPRS)  in  Maharashtra  where  Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) exceeds 30 mg/l;

(b)  whether  thirty  five  per  cent  of  CPRS  identified  under  the  National  River  Conservation  Plan  show worsening pollution levels despite allocation of funds for their rejuvenation and if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) the specific measures taken to protect the water quality of river Ganga during large religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela in view of recent concerns reported in the media regarding pollution spikes and ecological stress during such events; and

(d) whether penalties have been imposed on industries or other polluters in these river stretches under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI

## ( SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY )

(a) & (b) As per the latest Report on 'Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality' published by  Central  Pollution  Control  Board  (CPCB)  in  2025,  in  Maharashtra,  at  2  Polluted  River  Stretches Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level exceeded 30 milligrams per litre (mg/l) .

CPCB identifies  polluted  river  stretches  in  the  rivers  across  the  country  in  association  with  State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) under National Water Quality Monitoring  programme.  Implementation  of  various  pollution  abatement  programmes,  including  National River Conservation Plan scheme, has led to a reduction in the number of Polluted River Stretches (PRS) from  351  in  2018  to  296  in  2025.  The  report  further  shows  that  149  PRS  in  22  States/UTs  have  been delisted  and  71  PRSs  located  in  20  States/UTs  have  shown  improvement  in  river  water  quality  between 2018 and 2025. There is also showing 18 percent reduction in Critical  Polluted River Stretches from 45 (in 2018) to 37 (in 2025) .

(c) The Government, through the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and in coordination with the concerned State Governments, implements a series of preventive and mitigation  measures to safeguard the water quality of river Ganga during large religious gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh and Magh Mela.

These measures include partial financial assistance, augmentation of sewage treatment infrastructure, provision  of  adequate  temporary  sanitation  facilities,  establishment  of  solid  waste  management  systems, regulation of effluent discharges from Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) and organizing continuous water quality  monitoring.  Awareness  campaigns  to  sensitize  pilgrims  and  deployment  of  enforcement  teams  to check polluting activities at Prayagraj.

Besides, Prayagraj Mela Authority prepared a comprehensive Sanitation Plan for Maha Kumbh 2025 that  included  Service  Level  Benchmarks  (SLBs)  to  ensure  accountability  and  performance,  Post-Mela sanitation measures and laying of temporary drainage lines.

In  addition,  based  on  the  post  event  learning's,  corrective  actions  and  planning  improvements  are implemented  for  future  events  including  enhanced  reuse  strategies,  improved  disinfection  protocols  and structured redeployment of sanitation infrastructure.

Further,  the  CPCB  carried  out  water  quality  monitoring  at  five  stations  (twice  a  week)  from  12 th January 2025 to 20th February 2025 during Maha Kumbh 2025 at Shringverpur Ghat, Lord Curzon Bridge, Nagvasuki Mandir, Sangam and Deeha Ghat, covering auspicious bathing (Amrit Snan) days.

(d) As per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1974, all industrial units and other establishments generating trade effluents, are required to  comply  with  the  stipulated  standards  before  discharging  into  rivers  and  water  bodies.  CPCB,  SPCBs/ PCCs monitor industries to ensure compliance of the provisions of the said Acts, and take necessary action accordingly.

As per CPCB, there are total 4,498 industries under GPIs. Out of which, 3637 number of industries were  operational  and  861  industries  had  closed  down  on  their  own.  Amongst  the  operational  industries, 3036 industries were reported to be complying with the environmental standards, while show-cause notices issued to 571 industries, closure directions issued to 29 non-complying industries, and a directive was issued to one unit.

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