Management of Pollution in River Ravi

Abstract

The Ravi is the smallest of the five main eastern tributaries of river Indus. It enters Pakistan near Jassar and joins Chenab River after flowing a distance of about 640 km and ultimately the river Indus. Pollution in the river Ravi is the highest compared to all the rivers in Pakistan due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. All the sewage of Lahore is being drained into the river Ravi by six pump stations located along the Bund road. Industrial wastewater is also being disposed untreated in the river Ravi through various Nullahs and Drains effecting aquatic life and human health. Mostly wastewater contains pollutants which may deteriorate the quality of receiving water bodies and harm associated aquatic life. The present study monitored the pollution status in river Ravi and its management. Seven sampling stations were selected, three along the river Ravi i.e., Ravi Syphon, Balloki Headworks and Ravi bridge. Four the effluent discharging tributaries i.e., Deg Nullah, Hudiara Drain, Barianwala Drain and Chicho-ki-Malian Drain. Samples from the sampling stations were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics during the whole year from September 2006 to August 2007. To evaluate pollution status, the parameters determined were Temperature, pH, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, COD and E-coli, the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn were also determined. Based on laboratory results and field observation it has been concluded that river Ravi is highly polluted and at most of the places it is almost completely devoid of any kind of aquatic life. From these conclusions in present study various management strategies are suggested keeping in view the present aspects and availabilities, installation of treatment plant at various places for treating sewage water are suggested. Moreover for the treatment of industrial wastewater treatment plant is compulsory for every industry to minimize and control pollution in river Ravi.