Assam: CPCB flags Pamohi River as polluted, concerns rise over impact on Deepor Beel
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified the Pamohi River among the polluted river stretches in Assam, triggering renewed concerns over its impact on Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, the state’s only Ramsar site.
According to the CPCB’s water quality monitoring report for 2022 and 2023, six river stretches across Assam were found non-compliant with prescribed water quality standards with respect to Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), indicating high levels of organic pollution.
The polluted stretches identified in the report include the Dhansiri River from Bokajan to Ganesh Nagar under Priority Class IV, the Bharalu River in Guwahati under Priority Class I, the Digboi River at Lakhipathar Reserve Forest in Digboi under Priority Class V, the Mora Bharali River at Tezpur under Priority Class V, the Pamohi River at Pamohi Garchuk Road in Guwahati under Priority Class V, and the Bega River from MG Road to downstream of Mangaldoi town under Priority Class V.
Environmentalists have repeatedly warned that the Pamohi River acts as a direct channel carrying untreated sewage, municipal waste and toxic runoff from Guwahati into Deepor Beel, a wetland ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and migratory bird population.
The wetland has continued to face pressure from pollution, encroachment and unregulated waste disposal over the years.
Both the CPCB and the National Green Tribunal had previously flagged the deteriorating condition of water bodies connected to Deepor Beel and called for stronger waste management and conservation measures.
Experts said the polluted condition of the Pamohi River poses a serious threat to aquatic biodiversity, fisheries and the ecological balance of the Ramsar site.
Environmental groups have urged authorities to accelerate sewage treatment projects, strengthen waste disposal systems and implement restoration measures to protect the fragile wetland ecosystem.