EVS REPORT No.

Case Study of River Water Pollution – Godavari

Name: Hitesh Ghanshyam Bulani B-52 RollNo. 535

INTODUCTION :

In India all 15 major rivers have become polluted. Ganga, Godavari,Gomti,Cavery,Narmada and
Mahi all are facing pollution problems. The Ganga from Haridwar to Calcutta is infect an
unending sewer fit only to carry urban liquid waste[4],half burnt dead bodies, pesticides and
other wastes.
Godavari is the second largest river in India. It originates from Triambakeswar, Nashik,
Maharashtra and finally discharges into the Bay of Bengal near Narasapuram in West Godavari
district of Andhra Pradesh. The study covers about 24 km of river starting from Gangapur dam to
Dasak village. Fifteen locations were selected for collection of water samples from the river and
water samples were analysed for water quality parameters. It was observed that untreated or
partially treated sewage alongwith industrial wastewater is entering into the river at twelve
prominent locations in the study stretch. This data was used to compute the value of National
Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index(NSFWQI), mostly applicable in USA and India. The
results of NSFWQI of Godavari river indicates that its water quality as ‘Good’ (70-90) from
Gangapur dam to Someshwar, ‘Bad’ (25-50) from Aanadwalli bridge to Samtanagar and ‘Very
bad’ (0-25) at Agartakli STP downstream. Based upon the results, the existing conservation
measures have been reviewed and additional measures are suggested. The study concludes that
infiltration of sewage is the main precursor of Godavari river pollution and available sewage
treatment facilities in the region are inadequate.
The objectives of the present study are :
To identify the point sources of pollution like industries, those are discharging their
untreated or partially treated wastewater /solid waste in the Godavari River in the selected
reach/portion of the river.
Causes:
1. Unregulated growth of urban areas , particularly over the last two decades, without providing
infrastructure services for proper collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of domestic
waste led to increased pollution and health hazards. In India all 15 major rivers have become
polluted. Ganga, Godavari,Gomti,Cavery,Narmada and Mahi all are facing pollution problems.
2. Sewage and other waste : Nasardinala brings the sewage of Pimpalgaon & Ambad slum area and
discharges it in Godavari near Samtanagar, reducing the WQI value.
3. Industrial effluents
4. Agricultural discharges and industrial wastes from chemical industries, fossil fuel.

EFFECTS:-
 The results of mercury analysis in various specimens collected along the basin indicated
that some fish muscles tended to accumulate high levels of mercury. Of it, approximately
50–84% was organic mercury. A strong positive correlation between mercury levels in
muscle with food habit and fish length was found.
 Some of the dams being constructed along the Godavari basin will submerge substantial
areas of nearby forest. For example, the Gangapur dam at Someshwar will submerge
1200 hectares of forest, wiping out the forest area.
 An analysis of the Godavari water in 2006 and 2007 showed significant associations
between water-borne/enteric disease and the use of the river for bathing, laundry,
washing, eating, cleaning utensils, and brushing teeth. Water in the Ganges has been
correlated to contracting dysentery, cholera, hepatitis,as well as severe diarrhoea which
continues to be one of the leading causes of death of children in India.

Preventive Measures:-
 The primary solution is that the industries near the Godavari should be given some limits.
 People should not throw their garbage in the river.
 Control of non-point pollution from agricultural run off, human defecation, cattle
wallowing and the disposal of human remains in the river.
 Resource recovery options such as methane production for energy generation and use of
aquaculture for revenue generation.
 The ultimate objective of the GAP is to have an approach of integrated river basin
management considering the various dynamic interactions between abiotic and biotic
eco-system.