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Pollution Crisis at North India's Ramsar Site
21 May
Summary
- Water samples show turbidity over 100 NTU, far exceeding the 25 NTU limit.
- Sewage contamination and elevated iron levels found in Harike Wetland water.
- Wildlife department urges immediate action to stop pollutant discharge.
The Punjab wildlife department has sounded an alarm over the critically declining water quality at Harike Wetland. Laboratory analysis of water samples collected on May 3 from the Harike barrage revealed dangerously high turbidity levels, exceeding 100 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), far beyond the permissible limit of under 25 NTU. These findings, received on May 5, also indicated sewage contamination and elevated iron content.
The wetland, a vital freshwater ecosystem formed in 1952 and recognized as a Ramsar site in 1990, is home to over 390 bird species and endangered aquatic animals. The foul-smelling, muddy water suggests a substantial influx of untreated effluents, threatening the delicate balance of this natural habitat.
Officials are particularly concerned about the impact on fish species and the over one lakh migratory birds that rely on the wetland annually. The wildlife department has formally communicated these concerns to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, urging immediate intervention to halt pollutant discharge and a swift submission of an action plan.
