Rivers in Odisha Struggle to Stay Clean

Odisha’s two most critical rivers, the Mahanadi and Brahmani, are now bearing the brunt of unchecked urbanisation and industrial expansion, with recent water quality data revealing dangerous levels of contamination.

According to a detailed assessment conducted by the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), both rivers are reeling under the impact of untreated sewage and industrial effluents — a situation posing grave risks to public health and ecological balance across the state.The OSPCB study, covering 11 major rivers in Odisha, found high levels of harmful biological and bacterial indicators in 16 critical monitoring zones. The analysis flagged alarmingly high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels, along with low dissolved oxygen (DO) and excessive concentrations of total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC), and faecal streptococcus bacteria — all markers of declining water quality. The findings have been formally submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as a warning sign of worsening river health.Nine of these heavily polluted sites are located along the Mahanadi River, particularly around the densely populated stretches of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Regions such as the Kathajodi and Serua in Cuttack, along with the Daya and Gangua nullahs in Bhubaneswar, were found to be hotspots of sewage contamination.

Shockingly, even in peripheral zones such as Kanas, Bhingarpur, and Gop, the total coliform and faecal coliform levels crossed permissible safety limits — raising fears about the broader implications for human health and sanitation.Equally worrying is the state of the Brahmani, Odisha’s second-largest river, which runs through industrial hubs. Pollution monitoring stations at Panposh, Rourkela, and Guradih nullah recorded high BOD levels, with industrial effluents identified as the primary pollutant source. The BOD readings in some stretches ranged from 1.8 mg/l to a staggering 39 mg/l — with the safe threshold capped at 5 mg/l — indicating high levels of organic waste and a drastic depletion of oxygen available for aquatic life.The OSPCB has identified seven stretches as “critically polluted,” six of which are along the Mahanadi. Experts have issued repeated warnings that these rivers — which collectively cover over 100,000 square kilometres in catchment area and support millions through drinking water, agriculture, and fisheries — are reaching a tipping point.

The government, in response to the findings, has directed municipal authorities to implement stricter control on wastewater management. A formal communiqué from the Water Resources Department has urged local bodies to ensure that untreated sewage or industrial discharge does not flow into rivers or natural water bodies. While this is a positive step, environmentalists argue that without robust infrastructure for sewage treatment and effective monitoring of industrial practices, the efforts may fall short.The ongoing crisis reflects a deeper structural issue in India’s urban and industrial planning — where rivers are often viewed as waste channels rather than vital ecosystems. As Odisha pushes for economic growth and urban expansion, the challenge lies in aligning development with sustainability. The fate of the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers could very well determine the health and resilience of the communities they serve.The road to revival is neither short nor easy, but with committed governance, strategic investment in pollution control, and citizen engagement, these lifelines of Odisha can be restored to their rightful vitality. The time to act is now — before irreversible damage is done.

Also Read :  https://urbanacres.in/odisha-set-to-transform-roads-with-american-style-highways-and-smart-connectivity/

Rivers in Odisha Struggle to Stay Clean