CPCBs
INITIATIVE FOR BIO-MAPPING OF RIVER BASINS IN INDIA
Under the Indo-Dutch collaborative project
the development of bio-monitoring methodology for Indian river water quality evaluation
was initiated during 1988. The Central Pollution Control Board carried out a pilot
study on the River Yamuna for a selected stretch from Delhi upstream to Etawah
down stream. The main objective for this study was to formulate strategic methods,
which can be accepted in scientific and legislative framework for water quality
evaluation. The outcome of the study was generally applicable yardstick for indication
of actual water quality and can be used in water quality management programme
in the country.
Subsequently, the application of methodology
was undertaken for water quality evaluation of river Tungbhadra, River Chaliyar
and the Damodar River. The Pollution Control Boards were advised to ensure that
all the natural aquatic resources of river basin should meet the desirable quality
criteria in terms of physico-chemical and biological parameters. It was decided
in the 42nd Chairmen and Member Secretaries conference of Pollution Control Boards
that the inclusion of biological parameters in the monitoring network of MINARS
will enhance the quality evaluation in a cost-effective manner. CPCB has been
exploring the possibilities to introduce bio-monitoring through development and
testing of various bio-monitoring techniques for biological water quality evaluation.
CPCB has developed the methodology in association with State Pollution Control
Boards, utilizing artificial substratum for bio-assessment of water bodies. To
facilitate the nationwide monitoring network, training programmes on "Bio-monitoring
of Water Quality" had been organized for State Pollution Control Board's personnel
from time to time, since past several years. The main objectives of training programmes
are to:
Provide
exposure to SPCB personnel about the need and importance of bio-monitoring employing
various sampling procedures for water quality assessment.
Strengthen the laboratories of State Pollution
Control Boards for bio-monitoring of river water quality.
Conducting exhibitions, and demonstrations about
bio-monitoring techniques during several mass-awareness programmes organized by
Central Pollution Control Board.
To
begin with, CPCB has initiated a case study on bio-mapping of River Yamuna Basin.
