NGT Panel Finds Ghaggar River Unsafe for Bathing

Panel flags high biochemical oxygen demand values at upstream and downstream points of Sukhna Choe

- HT Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: A joint committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has found that the water in the Ghaggar River is unfit for bathing due to high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values at both upstream and downstream of the Sukhna Choe.

BOD indicates the amount of decaying matter in water. A low BOD is an indicator of good-quality water, while a high BOD indicates polluted water.

The committee's investigation followed a physical survey and water sampling across various points along the Sukhna Choe, from its origin to the point where it merges with the Ghaggar River, conducted on December 5 and 6, 2024.

The committee collected samples from 16 locations, including key spots such as Sukhna Choe at Raipur Khurd (the exit point of Chandigarh), Baltana Bridge, Kalka Road bridge, and near Sohi Banquet in Zirakpur.

During its visit, the committee observed significant pollution sources, primarily the nearby slum settlements in Haryana, including Mansa Devi Complex, Rajiv Colony, and Indira Colony.