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PCS ParikshanUttar Pradesh Switch to Hindi
Pollutants found in Varuna river
Why in News?
Recently, zoologists from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in a research confirmed the presence of about 1000 types of pollutants in the water of Varuna river .
Key Points
- Pollutants: Research has found that 580 pollutants have been found in Varuna river and 349 in Assi river. These include toxic chemicals like Tert alkylphenols, Octylphenols, Butylphenols, Hexadecylphenols.
- Effects: These pollutants are not only endangering the ecosystem of the river but also human life in the following ways:
- Effect on aquatic life : Pollution is adversely affecting the lives of fish and other aquatic creatures. Due to which their mortality rate is increasing and reproductive capacity is decreasing.
- Its water is also polluting the water of River Ganga .
- Deterioration of water quality : Pollutants degrade the quality of water, thereby reducing the availability of potable water.
- Effects on human life: Drinking polluted water can cause health problems in humans . Not only can it lead to reduced fertility, but these pollutants can also cause serious diseases like cancer.
- Effect on aquatic life : Pollution is adversely affecting the lives of fish and other aquatic creatures. Due to which their mortality rate is increasing and reproductive capacity is decreasing.
- Previous report: Earlier also, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board had reported that the pollution of Varuna river was at dangerous levels. Before joining the Ganga in Varanasi, the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of Varuna was 12.40 milligrams per liter.
- Revival of Varuna River: Although the Uttar Pradesh government is continuously making efforts to revive the Varuna River in Varanasi , such as desilting from Bhadohi to Ganga-Varuna Sangam , increasing green cover by planting trees along the river. Along with this, wetland areas will be created in various development blocks, which will improve the groundwater level and the water level of the river will be normal.
- Recently, the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark has resulted in the establishment of Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) in Varanasi . It aims to revive the Varuna River using a sustainable approach .
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Varuna River:
- It is a small tributary of the Ganga.
- It originates from Phulpur in Prayagraj district and meets the river Ganga near Sarai Mohana in Varanasi district.
- The district 'Varanasi' is named after two rivers, Varuna and Assi .
- Sarnath is situated at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Varuna .
