New Delhi, Sept. 23 -- Around 46% of river stretches (279 of 603) assessed in 2022 were identified to be polluted according to 'Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality' released on Monday by Central Pollution Control Board.

This is an improvement compared to 70% of stretches (275 out of 390) identified in 2015, according to the report. The present assessment is based on river water quality data from 2116 locations monitored in 2022 and 2023. Out of 2116 locations, 1299 (62%) were complying with pollution criteria including Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of 3 mg/l, notified under primary water quality for outdoor bathing, CPCB has found.

Detailed assessment also indicates significant improvement in 220 polluted stretch...