Previous Year Question
Which of the following rivers of Uttar Pradesh has been declared a ‘Biological Disaster’ due to environmental pollution?
Yamuna
Gomati
Sai
Tamsa
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The Gomati is an important river of Uttar Pradesh and flows through several areas including Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Lucknow, Sultanpur and Jaunpur before finally joining the Ganga.
The expression ‘Biological Disaster’ used in the question refers to the severe pollution of the Gomati and its serious impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Particularly in urban stretches, untreated sewage and industrial effluents have been major causes of pollution.
When organic pollution in a river increases, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) rises and Dissolved Oxygen may decline. This creates adverse conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms and affects biodiversity.
Current status: In the latest available assessment of the Central Pollution Control Board, the Gomati stretch from Mohmeak to Varanasi is still listed as a polluted river stretch. During 2022-23 monitoring, BOD at some locations reached about 14.6 mg/L, and the stretch was classified under Priority-III.