CPCB Reports Decline in Polluted Rivers India 2025

CPCB Reports Decline in India’s Polluted River Sites

Why in the News?

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) released its latest report showing a slight reduction in polluted river sites in India. In 2023, the number dipped to 807 from 815 in 2022, with fewer stretches classified as Priority 1 most polluted. This improvement may have positive implications for the quality of water used in traditional medicine formulations, herbal medicines, and the overall practice of integrative medicine in the region.

Current Status of River Pollution in India:

  • Polluted river sites reduced from 815 (2022) to 807 (2023), reflecting marginal progress and potentially benefiting the sourcing of herbs for traditional medicine and the practice of evidence-based traditional medicine.
  • The number of polluted river stretches (PRS) declined to 296 across 271 rivers in 2023 from 311 across 279 rivers in 2022, which could impact the availability of clean water for traditional medicine practices and the quality of herbal medicines produced in these areas.
  • Maharashtra (54 PRS) reported the highest polluted stretches, followed by Kerala (31), Madhya Pradesh (18), Manipur (18), and Karnataka (14). This pollution affects both modern healthcare systems and traditional medicine centres in these regions, highlighting the need for integrative approaches to medicine and health.
  • States like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand had the maximum Priority 1 polluted stretches (5 each), potentially compromising the quality of medicinal plants grown near these water bodies and affecting the practice of Indian medicine and other forms of traditional medicine.
  • Compared to 2022, the Priority 1 category reduced from 45 to 37, showing some improvement in critical pollution levels, which is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of water-based traditional medicine preparations and supporting the overall quality of traditional medicine products.

Key Findings and Concerns

  • Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is used as the main parameter for assessing river health, which is relevant for both modern and traditional medicine practices involving water, including those used in alternative medicine and herbal medicine.
  • BOD > 3 mg/litre = river water unfit for bathing; higher levels reflect poor water quality, affecting its use in traditional healing rituals and medicine preparation, which could impact the practice of integrative medicine in these areas.
  • Priority 1 stretches are those with BOD > 30 mg/litre, indicating severe organic pollution requiring urgent remediation to safeguard both public health and the integrity of traditional medicine ingredients used in various forms of complementary and alternative medicine.
  • Rivers in industrial belts and urban centers remain the most stressed, pointing to untreated sewage and effluents as major contributors, which can contaminate herbs used in traditional and complementary medicine, affecting the quality and safety of herbal medicines.
  • Relief trends: A slight decline in Priority 1 stretches indicates the effect of pollution control measures and monitoring efforts, potentially improving the quality of water used in both modern and traditional medicine systems, supporting the development of evidence-based traditional medicine practices.

About CPCB, River Monitoring, and Traditional Medicine
● CPCB: Statutory body under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, indirectly supporting the quality of resources used in traditional medicine and integrative medicine practices.
● Mandate: To promote clean water, air, and environment across India, which is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of both modern and traditional medicine practices, including herbal medicine and other forms of alternative medicine.
● Monitoring Network: Covers 4,736 locations, including rivers, lakes, creeks, drains, and canals, ensuring the quality of water sources used in various medicine systems, from conventional to traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM).
● Polluted River Stretch (PRS): Defined as two or more continuous sites in a river with BOD > 3 mg/litre, affecting the purity of water used in traditional medicine formulations and the overall quality of traditional medicine products.
● Policy Linkage: Data feeds into programs like Namami Gange, National River Conservation Plan, and state-level river rejuvenation projects, indirectly supporting the preservation of water quality for traditional medicine use and the practice of integrative medicine.
● Traditional Medicine Integration: While not explicitly mentioned, the CPCB’s work indirectly supports the quality and safety of water-based traditional medicine practices, herbal remedies, and the overall development of evidence-based traditional medicine.
● Holistic Approach: Combining environmental monitoring with traditional medicine knowledge can lead to more comprehensive health and environmental policies, supporting the goals of universal health coverage and primary health care through integrative approaches.

The findings of the CPCB report underscore the importance of maintaining environmental quality for both public health and the practice of traditional medicine. As efforts continue to improve river water quality, it is essential to consider the implications for traditional medicine centres, the production of herbal medicines, and the overall strategy for integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems. This holistic approach aligns with the goals of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM or GTMC) in promoting evidence-based traditional medicine and supporting universal health coverage through integrative medicine practices.