Karnataka leads in monitoring water quality of lakes, study reveals

The study also highlighted that Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tripura, Rajasthan, and West Bengal collectively monitor 161 lakes. On the other hand, Goa, Tnpura, Kerala, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Odisha, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Chattisgarh monitor only 69 lakes.

Bellandur Lake in Bengaluru. (Express photos by Jithendra M.)

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A recent study conducted by NGO ActionAid Association has revealed that Karnataka is at the forefront of monitoring water quality in the country, overseeing 172 lakes. Telangana closely follows with monitoring of 160 lakes. Together, these two states account for 59 percent of the total 562 lakes monitored by various state pollution control boards and pollution control committees across 28 states and eight union territories.

The study also highlighted that Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tripura, Rajasthan, and West Bengal collectively monitor 161 lakes. On the other hand, Goa, Tnpura, Kerala, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Odisha, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Chattisgarh monitor only 69 lakes.

According to the study, Telangana, Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana provide the most up-to-date data on the water quality through their state pollution control board websites within one month of testing the water samples. In contrast, Gujarat and Delhi have not updated their water quality monitoring data since 2010.

The study stated, “Six states (Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh) provide updated water quality data within 30 days of water sample testing. This can help in lake water quality preservation. Gujarat and Delhi host 10-year-old water quality data, which is as good as no data. Six states/union territories (Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Sikkim) report water quality data with a reporting period varying between 60-90 days. This indicates a delayed response in lake water quality preservation.”

While Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam publish reports on water quality for rivers and drains, they do not publish data for lakes. The study also revealed that Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Manipur lack official pollution control board or pollution control committee websites.