JAMSHEDPUR: The health status of Subarnarekha river, which originates near Ranchi and is a major source of water for Jamshedpur’s residential area and industries, including Tata Steel, was found below average during a study by environmentalist and former professor of Ranchi University MK Jamuar.
Jamuar found that the pollution level of the river is much higher in places near big cities and towns. The pollution level increases with the respective population of that area.
The study revealed that the level of dissolved oxygen, which helps in the dissolution of inorganic substances in water, was low near Domuhani Ghat of Subarnarekha. The dissolved oxygen content here was in the range of 3.07mg/lt to 4.03mg/lt as against a desirable limit of 5mg/lt. The ph level was around 9.4 as against the 4 to 9 permissible limit of natural water body.
The retired professor plans to submit his report to the government so that concrete steps are taken to save Subarnarekha, which after crossing Jharkhand enters Bengal and Odisha before falling into the Bay of Bengal near Talsari.
Jamuar said before he had collected samples near Ranchi, where the river originates, besides Ghatshila and other places.
The former professor said the samples revealed that more than industrial pollution, unfiltered garbage and other materials are being dumped into the river. Elaborating on his point, Jamuar said in city areas, encroachments come up near the river. The dwellers mostly dump their garbage into the river in the absence of civic amenities. The untreated effluents from the illegal toilets constructed by the people living in these shanties get mixed directly with river water. This water is the source of drinking water of most residents, he added.
He urged the civic bodies and administration to look into the matter with serious concern as it concerns the health and hygiene of around 12 lakh population of Steel City.
Jamuar said earlier study had shown that industries used to pollute the water. But now, industrialists are compelled to ensure that water discharged from the factories are treated before being drained into the river.
