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Chandigarh Drains Choke on Toxic Waste
23 Aug
Summary
- Two drains showed nil dissolved oxygen, indicating severe water quality issues.
- Organic pollution and suspended solids in Patiala Ki Rao exceeded limits.
- Treatment at Nagar Van significantly reduced pollutants in wastewater.
A study conducted by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) between January and March 2026 has exposed severe pollution in the city's drains, particularly Patiala Ki Rao and Faidan Choe. These channels have recorded critically low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, with nil DO observed in both, signaling a grave threat to aquatic life.
Patiala Ki Rao consistently exceeded permissible limits for chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS) throughout the monitored period. In February, Faidan Choe also showed nil DO, alongside BOD levels eight times the limit and high COD and TSS.
These conditions indicate a substantial organic pollution load, as high BOD signifies a greater demand for oxygen by microorganisms breaking down waste. While Sukhna Choe and N-Choe/Attawa Choe showed comparatively lower pollution, BOD still crossed norms at points. Encouragingly, treatment at Nagar Van drastically reduced COD, BOD, and TSS, proving effective in mitigating pollutant loads.
