Godavari River Faces Severe Pollution Crisis in Rajamahendravaram
The Godavari River, for generations a critical water source and lifeline for Rajamahendravaram city in Andhra Pradesh, is now confronting a significant ecological crisis. Recent investigations reveal alarming findings—declaring the river water unsuitable for daily use and sacred rituals, which are frequented by millions of devotees annually.
On May 25, as part of the Krishna-Godavari Rejuvenation Project, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forest Pawan Kalyan, alongside G.C. Kishore Kumar, Mission Director of the Mission for Clean Krishna, and P. Krishnaiah, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), conducted an inspection at critical pollution points along the river’s eastern bank. This scrutiny comes ahead of the Godavari Pushakarams, a significant spiritual event organized once every twelve years, slated for 2027.
Pollution Levels Exceed Permissible Limits
A report released by the APPCB on June 8 indicates that substantial portions of the river, particularly those flowing through Rajamahendravaram, exceed permissible limits for multiple pollutants. These include coliform bacteria, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, phosphate, and sulphide levels.
“The Godavari river has been contaminated with various effluents and the current state of pollution in the river in Rajamahendravaram indicates that the water is neither suitable for drinking nor for bathing,” stated K. Pawan Kalyan.
Highlighting the concerning levels of pollutants, Mr. Kalyan noted that the nitrate concentration reached a staggering 119.6 mg/l, exceeding the normal limit of 45 mg/l. This level poses significant health risks, particularly the potential for Blue Baby Syndrome among infants, indicating that such contaminated water is unfit even for bathing.
The report identifies Andhra Paper Limited (APL) and sewage discharge via the Nalla Channel as primary contributors to the river’s pollution issues in the city.
Concerns Over Effluent Discharge
According to the findings, APL discharges approximately 31,934 Kilo Litres per Day (KLD) of effluents, which includes 400 KLD of domestic waste. The company is reportedly violating regulations by discharging treated effluents into the Turpulanka sand shoals without the approved closed pipeline system mandated by governing authorities.
“… The sample collected from the storage lagoon exceeded the prescribed standard for BOD, recording 36 mg/l against the permissible limit of 30 mg/l,” explained S. Srisaravanan, APPCB member secretary.
Despite an expired lease since 1999 allowing APL to discharge treated effluents into the river, the company has not pursued renewal nor established a dedicated drainage system to the Bay of Bengal. The APPCB has mandated APL to initiate this connection by the end of June or face shut down and penalties.
Community Impact and Response
Compounding the issue, the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation (RMC) discharges around 29.6 MLD of sewage into the river, positioned near points from which they extract 65 MLD of water for purification purposes. The APPCB warns that pollutants from this area could lead to water-borne and skin diseases.
Residents living along the riverbanks, including those on Yedurlamma Island, are expressing concerns over the discoloration and foul odor of the water. Many have stopped using it for drinking and bathing due to these changes.
“Our families who have been involved in traditional fishing activities in the Godavari have not been drinking water from the Eastern bank due to a change in blend and color,” shared fisherman Nagaraju Koppanthi.
Government Initiatives
In May, the APPCB announced the formation of a task force to oversee pollution regulation in anticipation of the upcoming Pushkarams. Plans are underway to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) seeking ₹1,510.92 crore from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aimed at addressing sewage management in Rajamahendravaram and surrounding areas.
The DPR includes proposals for a 982-kilometer underground drainage system and six sewage treatment plants. The Deputy Chief Minister has committed to secure support for this initiative, while also announcing a ₹100 crore grant from the APPCB to confront the ongoing environmental crisis.
Future Prospects
As preparations advance for the anticipated 2027 Pushkarams, the Andhra Pradesh government is also investing in improving infrastructure, including developing ghats meant to accommodate an influx of around eight crore attendees during the festival. Notably, the ceremonious event is set to be inaugurated at Pushkar Ghat, identified as the river’s most polluted location. Concurrently, efforts are being made on the ₹94-crore Akhanda Godavari project, which includes renovating the historic Havelock bridge.
