Consider the following statements with respect to Polluted River Stretches for the Restoration of Water Quality: 1. The Ministry of Ports, waterways, and Shipping has identified polluted river stretches in India. 2. Almost 60% of polluted river stretches exist in Maharashtra, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh. 3. The increase in pollution reduces the biological oxygen demand in the rivers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 2. In News The Hindu: According to a recent report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the number of polluted stretches in India’s rivers has fallen from 351 in 2018 to 311 in 2022. Key Points Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2018 identified 351 polluted river stretches in India . CPCB study reveals that the discharge of untreated wastewater is one of the main causes of river pollution. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. Almost 60% of polluted river stretches exist in eight states : Maharashtra, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal and Karnataka. Hence, statement 2 is correct. This huge amount of sewage is left untreated/partially treated and discharged directly into rivers and pollutes rivers by increasing the biological oxygen demand . Greater the BOD, the lower the amount of dissolved oxygen available for higher animals such as fish. The BOD is therefore a reliable gauge of the organic pollution of a water body. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.