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6. Studies in Air, Water & Soil borne pollution in Amritsar

The project was taken up by Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar from 1986-89 for study of Air, Water & Soil pollution in/around Amritsar city. For monitoring Air Pollution, the City was divided into 5 zones and air samples were analyzed for SPM, Combustible matter etc. Analysis showed that SPM value was double the threshold value for residential zones. The average lead content was reported to be 0.65 ug/m3 in ambient air. Results indicated that air pollution caused by vehicular traffic and industries had reached unsafe levels in Amritsar. Water pollution studies were carried out along two main waste water drains. Results indicated high values of BOD, COD, suspended solids, organic matter and heavy metals. Ground water samples indicate pollution of ground water by fertilizers in areas around Amritsar. Soil pollution studies indicate that heavy metal content in crop is related to heavy metals accumulated in soil and sewage water irrigation has caused pollution problems. The study recommended that regular monitoring of air, water and soil be carried out, remedial measures be adopted by industrial units, use of drinking water drawn from shallow aquifers be discouraged and use of water containing untreated sewage for land irrigation be stopped. Further, crop pattern of growing only cereal crops along waste water drains be adopted.

The report and recommendations were sent to CPCB, PPCB and Municipal Corporation Amritsar for their information and use. Subsequently, PPCB has strengthened air & water monitoring activities in/around Amritsar and necessary steps are being taken for adoption of pollution control technologies in industrial units.

Contact Person: Dr. Neelima Jerath, neelimajerath@pscst.com