Question

Which one of the following river is most polluted?

• A. Narmada river
• B. Yamuna river
• C. Tungabhadra river
• D. Sutlej river

Hint:

Stay updated with major environmental reports and news, such as those from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India. Questions related to environmental issues like river pollution, air quality, and national parks are common in competitive exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding River Pollution in India:
Many rivers in India face severe pollution due to the discharge of untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. The level of pollution varies, with rivers flowing through densely populated and industrialized areas being the most affected.
Step 2: Analyzing the Pollution Levels of the Given Rivers:
- (A) Narmada river: While it faces pollution challenges, it is generally considered one of the cleaner major rivers in India, especially compared to the Gangetic plain rivers.
- (B) Yamuna river: The Yamuna is infamous for being one of India's most polluted rivers, especially in the stretch passing through Delhi. It receives enormous quantities of untreated sewage and industrial waste, leading to extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen and high levels of pollutants. The river is considered "dead" in some segments.
- (C) Tungabhadra river: A major river in Southern India, it suffers from pollution from mining and industrial activities in its catchment area, but the scale of pollution is generally considered less severe than that of the Yamuna in Delhi.
- (D) Sutlej river: This river also faces significant pollution from industrial and municipal waste, particularly in the stretches flowing through Punjab. However, the Yamuna's condition, particularly around the national capital, is consistently cited as being among the worst in the country.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Among the given options, the Yamuna river is widely recognized as the most polluted, primarily due to the massive discharge of waste from Delhi and other urban centers along its banks.