PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 7: Subarnarekha, the lifeline river of the state, is getting polluted in areas in and around Jamshedpur, the findings of a recent survey by the Adityapur-based regional office of Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) revealed indicating industrial effluents were getting dumped despite laws against the practice.
The findings suggested a rise in pH value, dissolved oxygen content and lead content.
The pollution watchdog collected water samples from the river near Domuhani and Mango (Jamshedpur) and Moubhandar (Ghatshila) to rate it on pollution parameters.
The pH value of water was on the higher side in Mango and Moubhandar. While the pH of natural water ranges between 4 and 9, these two places showed values between 8.5 and 9.6. Only in Domuhani pH value within a limit.
Dissolved oxygen (DO), which helps in the dissolution of inorganic substances in water, was low near Domuhani, Mango and Bhuiyandih. Against a desirable limit of 5mg/litre, DO in these places was from 3.25mg/ litre to 4.05mg/ litre.
Lead content was high in the water at two points Moubhandar and Galudih. The prescribed limit of lead in river water is 0.05mg/ litre. But, samples collected from these two points had anything between 0.61mg/ litre and 2.85mg/litre.
“Industrial effluents are being dumped in the river resulting in lead contamination,” said a JSPCB official.
Notably, a high dose of lead can result in abdominal pain and anaemia.
JSPCB officials said the survey report would be sent to Ranchi-based headquarters for necessary follow-ups.
An environmentalist Raja Ghosh said Subernarekha passes through areas with industries and mines.
“Regular discharge of industrial effluents and domestic wastes is choking the river,” he pointed out.
