Abstract:
The Ravi is the smallest of the five main eastern tributaries of river Indus. It enters
Pakistan near Jassar and joins Chenab River after flowing a distance of about 640 km
and ultimately the river Indus. Pollution in the river Ravi is the highest compared to all
the rivers in Pakistan due to rapid industrialization and urbanization.
All the sewage of Lahore is being drained into the river Ravi by six pump stations
located along the Bund road. Industrial wastewater is also being disposed untreated in
the river Ravi through various Nullahs and Drains effecting aquatic life and human
health. Mostly wastewater contains pollutants which may deteriorate the quality of
receiving water bodies and harm associated aquatic life.
The present study monitored the pollution status in river Ravi and its management.
Seven sampling stations were selected, three along the river Ravi i.e., Ravi Syphon,
Balloki Headworks and Ravi bridge. Four the effluent discharging tributaries i.e., Deg
Nullah, Hudiara Drain, Barianwala Drain and Chicho-ki-Malian Drain.
Samples from the sampling stations were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical
characteristics during the whole year from September 2006 to August 2007. To
evaluate pollution status, the parameters determined were Temperature, pH, TDS,
TSS, DO, BOD, COD and E-coli, the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr, Pb,
Ni and Zn were also determined.
Based on laboratory results and field observation it has been concluded that river Ravi
is highly polluted and at most of the places it is almost completely devoid of any kind
of aquatic life. From these conclusions in present study various management strategies
are suggested keeping in view the present aspects and availabilities, installation of
treatment plant at various places for treating sewage water are suggested. Moreover
for the treatment of industrial wastewater treatment plant is compulsory for every
industry to minimize and control pollution in river Ravi.